Synthesis and formation process of Al2CuHx: A new class of interstitial aluminum-based alloy hydride

Abstract

Aluminum-based alloy hydride Al2CuHx (x ∼ 1) is synthesized by hydrogenating Al2Cu alloy using high-temperature and high-pressure hydrogen atmosphere. Al8Cu square antiprisms in Al2Cu twist around the c axis of a tetragonal unit cell by hydrogenation. The twist enlarges the interstitial spaces for accommodating hydrogen atoms which align linearly parallel to the c axis in Al2CuHx. Thermodynamic stability of Al2CuHx results from the balance of stabilization by H 1s and Al 3sp hybridization and destabilization owing to the Fermi-level lifting upon hydrogenation. The crystal and electronic structures of Al2CuHx illustrate the formation of an interstitial hydride of aluminum-based alloy.