Transition metal- chalcogen systems XI: the platinum- selenium phase diagram

The platinum-selenium phase diagram was investigated by differential thermal analysis, metallography, and X-ray powder diffraction methods. The two previously known intermediate phases, Pt₅Se₄ and PtSe₂, both melt congruently: Pt₅Se₄ at ∼1070 °C and PtSe₂ (under its own vapor pressure) at 1245 ± 10 °C. Pt₅Se₄ forms a eutectic with Pt at 1065 ± 2 °C and ∼42 at % Se and another one with PtSe₂ at 1067 ± 2 °C and somewhat below 45 at.% Se. On cooling, Pt and PtSe₂ form a metastable eutectic at 1037 ± 2 °C and ∼43 at % Se. Between PtSe₂ and Se, a degenerate eutectic was found at 221 °C, which also indicates negligible solubility of platinum in solid selenium.