The synthesis and characterization of low-dimensional intermetallic compounds of barium, nickel, and silicon

Various advances in electronics technology have resulted from novel properties exhibited by low-dimensional intermetallic materials. The desire to enhance existing electronic and magnetic features is coupled with the search for new physical phenomena. Hence, understanding the chemistry of intermetallics becomes increasingly crucial as chemists probe further into more possible complex solid state structures. Despite the scientific and technological interest surrounding intermetallic phases, development of chemical systematics has been hindered by the difficulties associated with inadequate structure-property relationships. However, the rationalization of polar intermetallic structures is becoming increasingly possible. The Zintl concept can be extended to bridge the gap between traditional molecular chemistry and intermetallic chemistry. The exploratory synthesis of low-dimensional polar intermetallic compounds has lead to the discovery of a unique set of ternary nickel silicides. The previously barren Ba-Ni-Si phase diagram has proven to be a rich ground for the discovery of new and interesting compounds. The barium nickel silicides Ba₂NiSi₃, BaNiSi, BaNi₂Si, and Ba₂Ni ₃Si₂ all represent examples of new solid state structure-types. These compounds along with the previously reported BaNi₂ Si₂ exhibit highly covalent anionic nickel silicide networks that are somewhat anomalous and therefore interesting to study. This work centers on the investigation of the structural, electronic, and physical characterization of these novel one- and two-dimensional intermetallic compounds.