sulfoselenide

Sulfoselenide is a term used for compounds that contain both sulfur and selenium within the same chemical framework. In inorganic and solid-state chemistry, sulfoselenides describe mixed chalcogenide materials in which S and Se occupy chalcogen sites in a lattice, often forming solid solutions between sulfide and selenide phases. The concept applies to binary systems (such as metal sulfide–selenide mixtures) and to complex, multicomponent compounds used in electronics and optoelectronics.

Structure and properties of sulfoselenides are governed by the arrangement of sulfur and selenium within the crystal lattice. In many examples the S and Se atoms can be distributed randomly or in ordered patterns on a shared chalcogen sublattice. The chalcogen ratio strongly influences fundamental properties, notably the band gap, lattice parameters, and charge transport. By substituting Se for S, researchers can tune optical absorption edges and electronic conductivity, enabling customization for specific applications.

Synthesis of sulfoselenides typically involves high-temperature solid-state reactions, flux methods, or chemical vapor transport, often starting from precursors such as metal sulfides, metal selenides, or mixed chalcogenides. Controlling atmosphere and stoichiometry is important to achieve the desired S/Se distribution and phase purity.

Applications of sulfoselenide-containing materials include photovoltaics, photodetectors, and infrared optics, where tunable band gaps and favorable semiconductor properties are advantageous. Common examples are sulfide–selenide solid solutions in lead, copper, or tin chalcogenide systems and related photovoltaic absorbers such as CuIn(S,Se)2 derivatives.

Overall, sulfoselenides represent a versatile class of mixed chalcogenide materials whose properties can be engineered by adjusting sulfur–selenium composition.