Synthesis of LaBeH8 – a high-Tc superconductor at moderate pressures

High pressure superhydrides provide an exciting route to finding room temperature superconductivity. Currently, LaH10 holds the record for the highest experimentally confirmed critical temperature (Tc) at a pressure of 200 GPa. It is now important to find high Tc superconducting materials at lower pressure. We will synthesise and study the ternary hydride LaBeH8, which has recently been predicted to have a Tc of 192 K at 100 GPa, and to be dynamically stable down to 20 GPa. We will use laser-heating and X-ray diffraction to search for avenues to synthesise LaBeH8 and will probe the range of dynamical stability. Based on this information, we will prepare high quality samples for electrical measurements at the University of Bristol. This project offers the prospect to achieve a record Tc below 20 GPa. Furthermore it will help to understand the mechanism behind superconductivity in hydride compounds.