28 February 2024 | Liu-Cheng Chen, Tao Luo, Zi-Yu Cao, Philip Dalladay-Simpson, Ge Huang, Di Peng, Li-Li Zhang, Federico Aiace Gorelli, Guo-Hua Zhong, Hai-Qing Lin, Xiao-Jia Chen
This study investigates the synthesis and superconductivity of yttrium-cerium hydrides at high pressures. Inspired by the low stabilized pressure and high critical temperature observed in cerium and yttrium hydrides, the researchers synthesized seven independent runs of Y0.5Ce0.5Hδ using laser heating in diamond-anvil cells. Raman scattering and X-ray diffraction confirmed the formation of the hexagonal structure with the space group P63/mmc. Superconductivity was observed with onset critical temperatures ranging from 97 to 141 K, and the upper critical field at 0 K and 124 GPa was determined to be between 56 and 78 T. The structural data and theoretical calculations suggest that the Y0.5Ce0.5Hδ phase is stable within the studied pressure range. This work demonstrates that alloying superhydrides can maintain high critical temperatures at relatively modest pressures, making them promising candidates for high-temperature superconductivity under pressure.This study investigates the synthesis and superconductivity of yttrium-cerium hydrides at high pressures. Inspired by the low stabilized pressure and high critical temperature observed in cerium and yttrium hydrides, the researchers synthesized seven independent runs of Y0.5Ce0.5Hδ using laser heating in diamond-anvil cells. Raman scattering and X-ray diffraction confirmed the formation of the hexagonal structure with the space group P63/mmc. Superconductivity was observed with onset critical temperatures ranging from 97 to 141 K, and the upper critical field at 0 K and 124 GPa was determined to be between 56 and 78 T. The structural data and theoretical calculations suggest that the Y0.5Ce0.5Hδ phase is stable within the studied pressure range. This work demonstrates that alloying superhydrides can maintain high critical temperatures at relatively modest pressures, making them promising candidates for high-temperature superconductivity under pressure.