Transition metal-chalcogen systems, VI: The zirconium-tellurium phase diagram

In the binary Zr−Te system isopiestic, thermoanalytical, and X-ray studies were carried out. The results were combined with data from literature to construct a partial phase diagram. Tetragonal Zr5Te4 exists at 44.4 at %Te. Hexagonal ZrTe (WC structure) with a composition between 49 and 50 at %Te is found from 723 to 1,273 K. NiAs-type Zr 1−x Te has a range of homogeneity above 1,273 K from 52.0 to 66.6 at %Te, and at 973 and 723 K from 57.0 to 66.6 at %Te. Within this range the NiAs-type structure transforms into the Cd(OH)2-type structure. At 60 at %Te Zr 1−x Te has a melting point of about 1,970 K. At 75 at %Te monoclinic ZrTe3 is found which decomposes peritectically at 903 K. At 778 K orthorhombic ZrTe5 transforms into liquid and ZrTe3, and at 712 K ZrTe5 forms a eutectic with Te.