Metastable solid metallic hydrogen

Journal Article · Thu Apr 01 04:00:00 EST 1999 · Philosophical Magazine, B: Physics of Condensed Matter, Electronic, Optical and Magnetic Properties (Print)

DOI:https://doi.org/10.1080/13642819908205741· OSTI ID:2791

Nellis, W. J. ^[1]

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1. LLNL

Hydrogen reaches the mimimum electrical conductivity of a metal at 140 GPa (1.4 Mbar), 0.6 g/cm³ (ninefold compression of initial liquid-H₂ density), and 3000 K in the fluid phase. The quest for metallic hydrogen over the past 100 years is reviewed briefly. Possible scientific and technological uses of metastable solid metallic hydrogen (MSMH) are speculated upon in the unlikely event that the metallic fluid can be quenched to MSMH at ambient pressure and temperature: a quantum, metallic solid with novel physical properties, including room-temperature superconductivity; a very light-weight structural material; a fuel, propellant, and explosive, depending on the rate of release of stored energy; a dense fuel for higher energy yields in inertial confinement fusion; and an aid in the synthesis of novel hard materials. Some of the formidable difficulties to synthesize MSMH are discussed.

• Research Organization: Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory (LLNL), Livermore, CA (United States)
• Sponsoring Organization: USDOE Office of Defense Programs (DP)
• DOE Contract Number: W-7405-ENG-48
• OSTI ID: 2791
• Report Number(s): UCRL-JC--132070; DP0102012; 97-ERD-055
• Journal Information: Philosophical Magazine, B: Physics of Condensed Matter, Electronic, Optical and Magnetic Properties (Print), Journal Name: Philosophical Magazine, B: Physics of Condensed Matter, Electronic, Optical and Magnetic Properties (Print) Journal Issue: 4 Vol. 79; ISSN 1364-2812
• Country of Publication: United States
• Language: English