Pnictides: An Overview of Crystal Structures, Properties and Applications

Pnictides are a class of compounds featuring anionic species made up of Group 15 elements, i.e., the pnictogens. The diversity of the crystal and electronic structures among the pnictides is remarkable, appended by the unique bonding characteristics exhibited by atoms of the pnictogen elements. The physical properties of many pnictides are also notable, including superconductivity, magnetic, semiconducting and half-metallic behaviour, and have been extensively studied by the condensed-matter communities. Herein, we discuss the main factors guiding the formation and stabilisation of various pnictide compounds, highlight common approaches to the synthesis of pnictides, and provide a brief overview of the physical and chemical properties, as well as main applications of these exciting materials.