Filling the CoSn host-cell: the HfFe6Ge6-type and the related structures

Abstract

Abstract The crystallographic properties of the CoSn-based MT6X6 compounds (M = alkaline-, alkaline earth-, transition metals, lanthanides and actinides, T = transition metal, X = element of the main group) are reported. The filling scheme and the features of the diffraction patterns are detailed and illustrated by the new LuFe6Ge6–xGax series. The members of the hexagonal, orthorhombic and monoclinic series are presented. The crystal chemistry and the structural evolutions as a function of the size of the components and of the valence electron concentration are reported.