Abstract
The authors have recently reported that Te in Pb(1 − x)SnxTe (0 ≤ x ≤ 1) system compounds will be dissociated and sublimated at high temperatures over 400°C on the basis of experimental results. In the experiment, the thermal expansion was tested and the thermogravimetry-differential thermal analysis was carried out from the room temperature to 500°C. In the present work, a high-temperature X-ray diffraction profiles are observed to investigate the change in the crystal structure of PbTe and Bi2Te3. It is concluded from the experimental results that Te will be dissociated and move onto the sample surface to form a liquid or amorphous state at temperatures ranging from 200 to 400°C and that Te on the sample surface will be volatilised at higher temperatures than 400°C. It is also concluded that in Bi2Te3, Te might be sublimated even at lower temperatures than 400°C.