Growth of α-HgI2 platelets

Abstract The vapour phase crystallization process of α-HgI 2 platelets in the presence of hydrocarbons and argon was investigated. The mass transport mechanism in the system and mutual relation between stoichiometries of the sources and the crystals were explained. The mass transport of HgI 2 in this system can be treated as a sublimation-condensation process /PVT/. The α-HgI 2 crystals were obtained in ampoules with argon or styrene added. The source HgI 2 samples of various stoichiometries were applied. The shape and stoichiometry of the crystals grown depend on the starting stoichiometry of the source. No excess of iodine was found in the obtained crystals.