Investigating Sr-(Au,Zn)-H systems at ID06-LVP: are high-temperature superconducting hydrides at ambient pressure feasible?

Very recent theoretical predictions suggested the existence of high temperature superconducting hydrides (e.g. SrAuH3 (TC = 122 K) and SrZnH3 (TC = 107 K)) at ambient pressure. These hydrides are predicted to have a simple cubic perovskite structure and are expected to be accessible via high pressure synthesis route above 8 GPa, remaining kinetically stable at ambient p, T. The computational demonstration of the feasibility of such hydrides at ambient pressure is exciting and is expected to initiate intensive experimental activities. Here we propose to study reaction mixtures SrH2/T/H2 (T = Au, Zn) at pressures up to 12 GPa by in situ synchrotron diffraction using ID06-LVP at the ESRF. The aim is to exploit the well-controlled p, T environment in large volume press experiments – in combination with angle-dispersive diffraction – for exploring formation conditions, high p,T phase relations, and potential recovery of the predicted superconducting hydrides SrAuH3 and SrZnH3.