Intermetallics: Zintl Phases & Heusler Structures

This lecture covers Zintl phases, such as Ca-Si intermetallics, with anionic components forming layers or chains surrounded by cations. It also discusses the thermal stability of Zintl phases and the formation of clusters in A1-B1/B2 compounds. Furthermore, it explores Heusler and half-Heusler phases, where larger unit cells and specific structures are observed, leading to the classification of compounds as Heusler-alloys or half-Heusler phases. The lecture delves into the electrical, magnetic, and thermoelectric properties of Heusler alloys, as well as their behavior based on the number of valence electrons, including shape memory alloys and topological insulators.