The preparation of some ternary sulphides MR2S4 (M = Ca,Cd; R = La,Sm,Er) and the melt growth of CaLa2S4

The Preparation of the binary sulphides CaS, La₂S₃, Er₂S₃, and Sm₂S₃ in high purity powder form from the elements is described, with the subsequent synthesis of ternary sulphides with Th₃P₄ and spinel structures. Single crystals of CaLa₂S₄ and CaLa₂S₄La₂S₃ solid solutions, up to 10 mm³ volume, have been grown from the melt in sealed crucibles using the Stöber technique.