Phases with layered (AB) and “defective” (A2B3) structures in AIII–BVI systems Part 1. Structural uniqueness and properties of bulk samples and films. Review

The review analyses and, where possible, reconciles data on two large groups of inorganic substances that are very unusual in terms of structure and properties, designated as AIIIBVI compounds. The structures and properties of typical compounds of these systems: A1IIIB1VI and A2IIIB3VI were considered. The relationship between the structure and the nature of the chemical bond and the organization of stoichiometric vacancies in crystal lattices is described in detail. The genesis of structures was analyzed for various modifications of A2IIIB3VI sesqui-chalcogenides. The transformations of these compounds into each other were also considered in relation with the ordering/disordering processes of stoichiometric vacancies. The possibilities of forming nanolayer structures, tubulenes, and intercalates were demonstrated for A1IIIB1VI layered compounds. The prospects for the application of both nanolayer coatings and bulk single crystals of A1IIIB1VI and A2IIIB3VI phases were analyzed. The presented review is based on the analysis of both literary data and the results of the studies of the authors and some other researchers of Voronezh State University