Journal of Alloys and Compounds Volume 960, 15 October 2023, 170895, https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jallcom.2023.170895

Pavonite homologues are semiconductors that show potential for thermoelectric applications. Herein, we report the synthesis of a quaternary selenide, In_0.5Mn₂Bi_3.5Se₈, that exhibits good thermal stability below 1032 K. Whereas most pavonite compounds exhibit the metallic properties of degenerate semiconductors, In_0.45Mn_2.17Bi_3.38Se₈ possesses a band gap of 0.85 eV. In addition, its electrical conductivity and Seebeck coefficient exceed 3 S/cm and 300 μV/K at 810 K, respectively, with the compound mainly displaying semiconductor properties. In_0.45Mn_2.17Bi_3.38Se₈ exhibits paramagnetism at room temperature followed by a paramagnetic-to-antiferromagnetic transition at ∼10.2 K. Our findings enrich the current understanding of the pavonite homologous series, providing useful insight for future exploration in related fields.