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A stable compound of helium and sodium at high pressure

Journal Article · · Nature Chemistry
DOI:https://doi.org/10.1038/nchem.2716· OSTI ID:1355028

Helium is generally understood to be chemically inert and this is due to its extremely stable closed-shell electronic configuration, zero electron affinity and an unsurpassed ionization potential. It is not known to form thermodynamically stable compounds, except a few inclusion compounds. Here, using the ab initio evolutionary algorithm USPEX and subsequent high-pressure synthesis in a diamond anvil cell, we report the discovery of a thermodynamically stable compound of helium and sodium, Na2He, which has a fluorite-type structure and is stable at pressures >113 GPa. We show that the presence of He atoms causes strong electron localization and makes this material insulating. This phase is an electride, with electron pairs localized in interstices, forming eight-centre two-electron bonds within empty Na8 cubes. We also predict the existence of Na2HeO with a similar structure at pressures above 15 GPa.

Research Organization:
Argonne National Lab. (ANL), Argonne, IL (United States). Advanced Photon Source (APS)
Sponsoring Organization:
NSF; DARPA
OSTI ID:
1355028
Journal Information:
Nature Chemistry, Journal Name: Nature Chemistry Journal Issue: 5 Vol. 9; ISSN 1755-4330
Publisher:
Nature Publishing Group
Country of Publication:
United States
Language:
ENGLISH

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