Identification and structural characterization of Ca(PtxCu(1−x))3o4

We describe a new compound, Ca(PtxCu(1−x))3O4 (0.2 < x < 0.3), which is only the second- known quaternary compound of an alkaline earth metal with platinum, copper, and oxygen. The composition and structure were determined with an electron probe using wave-dispersive spectrometry (WDS), electron diffraction, and powder X-ray diffraction. The present material crystallizes in the Pt bronze structure, a cubic cell with a = 5.6270(2) Å, and space group Pm3̄n (no. 223). The Cu and Pt atoms are randomly distributed onto the same position, comprising nonintersecting chains in each of the three coordinate directions. The material is an n-type semiconductor.