Electrochemical synthesis of ternary phosphides

摘要

This invention comprises a method of synthesizing ternary phosphide compounds of the general formula M(II)M(IV)P2 by fused salt electrolysis in which a melt powder mixture containing phosphorus compounds is introduced into an electrolytic apparatus containing a liquid group II metal cathode and a group IV metal or semiconductor source. Electrolysis occurs under controlled conditions in which oxygen is excluded as an impurity to produce the desired ternary phosphide compounds.