Phase equilibria in systems Ce–M–Sb (M=Si, Ge, Sn) and superstructure Ce12Ge9−xSb23+x (x=3.8±0.1)

Phase relations in the ternary systems Ce–M–Sb (M=Si, Ge, Sn) in composition regions CeSb2–Sb–M were studied by optical and electron microscopy, X-ray diffraction, and electron probe microanalysis on arc-melted alloys and specimens annealed in the temperature region from 850 to 200 °C. The results, in combination with an assessment of all literature data available, were used to construct solidus surfaces and a series of isothermal sections. No ternary compounds were found to form in the Ce–Si–Sb system whilst Ce12Ge9−xSb23+x (3.3