Structural evolution behavior of manganese monophosphide under high pressure: experimental and theoretical study
Zhenhai Yu1, Wei Wu2, Pengchao Lu3,4
1Center for High Pressure Science and Technology Advanced Research, Shanghai, 201203, People's Republic of China.
Summary
High pressure studies reveal manganese phosphide (MnP) remains stable up to 15 GPa, with superconductivity linked to magnetic order suppression. A structural phase transition occurs around 15 GPa.
Area of Science:
- Materials Science
- Condensed Matter Physics
- Crystallography
Background:
- Manganese phosphides (MnP) exhibit complex structural and magnetic properties.
- Understanding pressure-induced phase transitions is crucial for exploring novel material behaviors.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the influence of external pressure on the structural properties of MnP at room temperature.
- To elucidate the relationship between structural phase transitions, magnetic ordering, and superconductivity in MnP.
Main Methods:
- In situ angle-dispersive synchrotron X-ray powder diffraction (AD-XRD) using a diamond anvil cell.
- Extensive crystal structure searching and ab initio calculations.
Main Results:
- MnP structure is stable from 0 to 15 GPa, with anisotropic compressibility (b-axis >> a-, c-axes).
- A pressure-induced structural phase transition from Pnma to a new phase occurs at approximately 15.0 GPa.
- Predicted phase transitions to P213 at 55.0 GPa and Pm-3m at 92.0 GPa.
Conclusions:
- Superconductivity in MnP is likely induced by the suppression of antiferromagnetic order, not a structural phase transition.
- The study provides new insights into the B31 structure prototype in transition metal monophosphides under pressure.
