New Cage Like Cerium Trihydride Stabilized at Ambient Conditions

Metal hydrides, generally formed by high pressure combined with high-temperature conditions, have attracted substantial interest due to their promising high-energy density and high-temperature superconductivity. Although the synthesis and properties of these hydrides have been extensively studied, an important challenge is the lack of an efficient method to retain high-pressure phases. Herein, we have successfully quenched a high-pressure phase to ambient conditions with the precise control of different compression pathways. A new beta-CeH3 phase (space group Pm (3) over barn) isostructural to beta-UH3 phase was synthesized by the reaction of Ce and H-2 above 33.0 GPa in a laser-heated diamond anvil cell. The beta-CeH3 phase has a cage-like framework structure that can be retained at ambient conditions. The electrical resistance as a function of temperature determines its metallic properties, but no superconductivity is observed in the current temperature range. Thermodynamic and dynamic calculations further prove the stability of beta-CeH3 at ambient pressure. This work demonstrates that different synthesized paths will drive the formation of different products. [GRAPHICS] .

Automated summary

Metal hydrides with high-energy density and high-temperature superconductivity have attracted substantial interest. This study successfully quenched a high-pressure phase to ambient conditions and synthesized a new metal hydride with a cage-like structure.