Potassium antimonide is a binary inorganic compound of potassium and antimony with the molecular formula .
Synthesis The compound is synthesized by fusing the elements:
Physical properties The compound forms yellow-green crystals of the hexagonal crystal system, space group P63/mmc.
A cubic form of can be obtained as a thin film by first oxidizing the surface of an antimony layer before introducing potassium.
Chemical properties Potassium antimonide reacts with water, producing stibine and potassium hydroxide:
Uses The compound is recognized for its applications in electronics, particularly within photocathodes and photomultiplier tubes. Its capacity to release electrons upon light exposure renders it essential in equipment that depends on effective photoemission.
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