Structure and superconductivity of hydrides at high pressures

• Published in: National science review Vol. 4; no. 1; pp. 121 - 135
• Main Authors: Duan, Defang, Liu, Yunxian, Ma, Yanbin, Shao, Ziji, Liu, Bingbing, Cui, Tian
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: Oxford University Press 01-01-2017
• Subjects: crystal structure; superconductivity; metallization; hydride; high pressure
• ISSN: 2095-5138; 2053-714X
• DOI: 10.1093/nsr/nww029

Abstract
Hydrogen atoms can provide high phonon frequencies and strong electron–phonon coupling in hydrogen-rich materials, which are believed to be potential high-temperature superconductors at lower pressure than metallic hydrogen. Especially, recently both of theoretical and experimental reports on sulfur hydrides under pressure exhibiting superconductivity at temperatures as high as 200 K have further stimulated an intense search for room-temperature superconductors in hydrides. This review focuses on crystal structures, stabilities, pressure-induced transformations, metallization, and superconductivity of hydrogen-rich materials at high pressures.