# Structure and properties of tubular structures based on the quaternary misfit layered compound Sm1−xYxS–TaS2

## TL;DR

Researchers synthesized and studied tubular structures of a quaternary misfit layered compound, revealing how alloying affects its structure and properties.

## Contribution

The study introduces quaternary MLCs Sm1−xYxS–TaS2 and demonstrates their tunable structural properties through alloying.

## Key findings

- Quaternary MLCs retain the structure of pristine SmS–TaS2 despite alloying.
- Anisotropic lattice parameter changes up to 2.7% were observed.
- A specific composition leads to a 3:5 ratio of lattice parameters, potentially enabling a commensurate superstructure.

## Abstract

Misfit layered compounds (MLCs) are incommensurate super-lattices made up of two repeating subunits and are promising for different applications due to the possibility of a synergetic combination of the properties of the employed sublayers. A means of fine-tuning a specific MLC is to alloy one of the elements in the system. In this study, quaternary MLCs made of Sm1−xYxS–TaS2 were successfully synthesized and the resulting structures were characterized in detail, with a specific focus on tubular structures. Owing to the small difference between the ionic radii of Sm and Y, the structure of the quaternary MLCs follows the one of pristine SmS–TaS2, irrespective of the degree of alloying and with an anisotropic change of the lattice parameters up to a maximum of 2.7%. Nevertheless, microscopy, spectroscopy, and diffraction techniques allow us to reveal the impact of the composition on important characteristics of the MLC. Notably, for a specific composition, the ratio between the lattice parameters of the two subsystems adopts a value of 3 to 5, which could lead to a transition toward a commensurate superstructure.

Nanotubes made of the quaternary misfit layered compound Sm1−xYxS–TaS2 have been synthesized using the chemical vapour technique. Imaging, diffraction and spectroscopy shed light on their structure and properties.