Phase transformation in CuAgSe: a DSC and electron diffraction examination

The phase transformation of CuAgSe is examined by DSC and electron diffraction methods. It is found that the transformation occurs at the onset temperature of about 201.8 +/- 10.2 degreesC and it is followed by a remarkable hysteresis between heating and cooling. The electron diffraction patterns indicate an orthorhombic superstructure at room temperature. By heating above the transition temperature fcc structure appears. A remarkable short range order. however, persists in this temperature range. (C) 2004 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.