Patent ID: 8324414

Claim:
A method of forming a single-source precursor for use in forming a chalcogenide material, comprising: forming an intermediate product having the empirical formula ½{L 2 N(μ-X) 2 M′X 2 } 2 ; and reacting MER with the intermediate product to form a single source precursor having the empirical formula L 2 N(μ-ER) 2 M′(ER) 2 ; wherein L is a Lewis base coordinated to N by a dative bond, each N is individually selected from Group IB atoms, each M is individually selected from Group IA atoms, each M′ is individually selected from Group IIIA atoms, each E is individually selected from Group VIA atoms, each X is individually selected from Group VIIA atoms or a nitrate group, and each R group is individually selected from the group consisting of alkyl, aryl, vinyl, (per)fluoro alkyl, (per)fluoro aryl, silane, and carbamato groups; and wherein reacting MER with the intermediate product comprises reacting each of a first MER species and a different second MER species with the intermediate product such that at least one E differs from at least one other E or at least one R group differs from at least one other R group in the single source precursor.