Electronic structure inheritance and pressure-induced polyamorphism in lanthanide-based metallic glasses

Area of Science:

• Materials Science
• Condensed Matter Physics
• Solid State Chemistry

Background:

• Bulk metallic glasses (BMGs) are amorphous alloys with unique properties.
• Polyamorphism, the existence of multiple amorphous phases, is known in some BMGs.
• Lanthanide-based BMGs are less explored for polyamorphic behavior.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate pressure-induced phase transitions in lanthanide-based bulk metallic glasses.
• To understand the role of lanthanide elements and their electronic structure in polyamorphism.
• To explore potential applications in designing novel functional materials.

Main Methods:

• In situ angle-dispersive X-ray diffraction (XRD) under high pressure.
• Synthesis of a series of lanthanide-based bulk metallic glasses.
• Analysis of structural changes and density variations with applied pressure.

Main Results:

• Observed a pressure-induced polyamorphic phase transition in lanthanide-based BMGs.
• The transition involved continuous densification from a low-density to a high-density amorphous state.
• Demonstrated inheritance of polyamorphism from lanthanide constituents, linked to 4f electron behavior.

Conclusions:

• Lanthanide-based BMGs exhibit pressure-induced polyamorphism.
• The electronic structure of 4f electrons in lanthanides governs this phenomenon.
• This understanding can guide the design of new metallic glasses with tailored functional properties.