Attempted synthesis of (Bi2Te3)X (SnTe)Y misfit layer compounds

We have targeted the synthesis of a series of (Bi₂Te₃)_X(SnTe)_Y misfit layer compounds to study their potential as thermoelectric materials. Misfit layer compounds generally contain interwoven blocks of compounds (typically dichalcogenides) with a rock salt structure; an example is (PbSe)_1.10(NbSe₂). The lattice mismatch between the alternating layers is expected to decrease lattice thermal conductivity by increasing phonon scattering. Attempted misfit layer compounds of (Bi₂Te₃)_X(SnTe)_Y have been prepared with 2\n\n\t\t