Electronic and atomic structures of iron oxalate at extreme conditions

Iron(II)oxalate dihydrate has emerged as an important building block for the preparation of new, functional advanced materials. Despite the extensive investigation carried out over the years, almost nothing is known about its physico-chemical properties at extreme conditions. Preliminary results have shown that FeC2O4 × 2 H2O exhibits several structural transitions upon pressure increase. The simple chemical composition, the high oxygen fugacity of the system and the capability of Fe to exist in multiple valence states, are desirable conditions to attempt on the synthesis of new exotic C, O and H bearing materials at extreme conditions. The aim of this study is the investigation of structural evolution (electronic and atomic) of FeC2O4 × 2 H2O at extreme pressures and its stability at extreme pressures and temperatures. Synthesis of new materials with similar elemental stoichiometry will help elucidating light elements sequestration during Earth’s differentiation processes.