Ge32Co9−x: Creating “Empty” Space by High Pressure

Abstract

AbstractThe compound Ge32Co9−x(x=0.54(6),a=10.9861(3) Å, space groupImm) prepared under high pressure and at high temperature is metastable under ambient conditions. It crystallizes in a new structure type, Pearson symbolcI82−1.08. The crystal structure represents a slightly distorted cubic primitive arrangement of germanium atoms with part of the Ge cubes filled by cobalt. Analysis of the chemical bonding by real‐space methods revealed three‐core cluster units Ge16Co3and seemingly empty regions comprising either covalent inter‐polyhedral Ge−Ge bonds or lone‐pairs located at the germanium atoms. The electrical conductivity is metal‐like.