Europium disilicide

Europium disilicide is a binary inorganic compound of europium and silicon with the chemical formula.

Synthesis

Sintering of pure substances in an inert atmosphere:
Reduction of europium(III) oxide by silicon in vacuum:

Physical properties

Europium disilicide forms dark gray crystals of hexagonal or tetragonal system, insoluble in water, cell parameters a = 0.429 nm, c = 1.366 nm.

Uses

-powder exhibits good electrical conductivity, thermal stability, and semiconducting properties.
Europium disilicide in the form of thin films finds application in microelectronics.