Solubility of copper in ZrSe2

Previously obtained single crystals of CuxZrSe2 show Cu contents up to x=1. However, as a result of the solid phase reaction, the composition with maximum Cu content x=0.45 is obtained. The process of copper dissolution in CuxZrSe2 at x > 0.5 has been studied by DSC and X-ray diffraction methods to investigate the reasons preventing the composition x>0.45 by solid phase reaction, as well as the possibility of avoiding these difficulties. It is concluded that the reason limiting the solubility of copper is the formation of a barrier layer on the surface of the copper particles.