The layered RuBr₃-RuI₃ honeycomb system

The layered RuBr3-RuI3 honeycomb structure solid solution was synthesized at high pressures. The crystal structures are centrosymmetric (space group R3) and based on honeycomb layers of spin 1/2 Ru3+. The solid solution switches from insulating to metallic between RuBr0.75I2.25 and RuBr0.50I2.50. A preliminary structure/property phase diagram is presented. Our results suggest that this solid solution may provide insight into the influence of disorder on spin-orbit-coupled quantum spin liquids.