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. […]