Intercalation of lithium in InSb

The lithiation of n-type single crystalline (111) oriented specimens of InSb by direct reaction with n-butyllithium in hexane solution was performed at room temperature. The lithiation process was studied by X-ray diffraction technique, electrical measurements and scanning electron microscopy. Resistivity and Hall coefficient data enabled to evaluate the change of concentration of lithium in InSb and a diffusion coefficient of lithium in InSb at room temperature D 298K=1.09×10 −8 cm 2 s −1 in agreement with diffusion coefficient of literature data. A possible intercalation mechanism is discussed and the reversibility of the process is considered.