Phys.org March 14, 2024
An international team of researchers (Germany, UK, USA – University of Chicago) used synchrotron single-crystal x-ray diffraction (SCXRD) and found (two YH3 phases) and five previously unknown yttrium hydrides. These were synthesized in diamond anvil cells by laser heating yttrium with hydrogen-rich precursors—ammonia borane or paraffin oil. The arrangements of yttrium atoms in the crystal structures of new phases were determined based on SCXRD, and the hydrogen content estimations based on empirical relations and ab initio calculations revealed the following compounds: Y3H11, Y2H9, Y4H23, Y13H75, and Y4H25. They also uncovered a carbide and two yttrium allotropes. According to the researchers complex phase diversity, variable hydrogen content in yttrium hydrides, and their metallic nature underline the challenges in identifying superconducting phases and understanding electronic transitions in high-pressure synthesized materials… read more. Open Access TECHNICAL ARTICLE
The crystal structures of the yttrium hydrides synthesized in this work. Credit: SCIENCE ADVANCES, 13 Mar 2024, Vol 10, Issue 11