Limits of Cation Solubility in AMg(2)Sb(2) (A = Mg, Ca, Sr, Ba) Alloys

[Formula: see text] compounds that crystallize in the CaAl [Formula: see text] Si [Formula: see text] structure type have emerged as a promising class of n- and p-type thermoelectric materials. Alloying on the cation (A) site is a frequently used approach to optimize the thermoelectric transport properties of [Formula: see text] compounds, and complete solid solubility has been reported for many combinations of cations. In the present study, we investigate the phase stability of the AMg [Formula: see text] Sb [Formula: see text] system with mixed occupancy of Mg, Ca, Sr, or Ba on the cation (A) site. We show that the small ionic radius of Mg [Formula: see text] leads to limited solubility when alloyed with larger cations such as Sr or Ba. Phase separation observed in such cases indicates a eutectic-like phase diagram. By combining these results with prior alloying studies, we establish an upper limit for cation radius mismatch in [Formula: see text] alloys to provide general guidance for future alloying and doping studies.