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The novel high-pressure/high-temperature compound Co12P7 determined from synchrotron data
Claire Zurkowski1, Barbara Lavina2, Stella Chariton3
1University of Chicago, Department of the Geophysical Sciences, 5734 S. Ellis Ave, Chicago IL, 60637, USA.
Acta Crystallographica. Section E, Crystallographic Communications
|October 29, 2020
Summary
Researchers discovered a new cobalt phosphide, Co12P7, under extreme high-pressure and high-temperature conditions. This finding advances our understanding of metal-rich phosphides in planetary interiors.
Area of Science:
- Materials Science
- Geophysics
- Solid State Chemistry
Background:
- Understanding metal-rich phosphides is crucial for modeling Earth and planetary interiors.
- High-pressure and high-temperature (HP-HT) conditions are key to exploring novel material phases.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the structural properties of cobalt phosphides at HP-HT conditions.
- To discover new cobalt phosphide phases relevant to planetary interiors.
Main Methods:
- Single-crystal X-ray diffraction synchrotron data.
- Laser-heated diamond anvil cell for HP-HT synthesis and analysis.
Main Results:
- Discovery of a new HP-HT cobalt phosphide, Co12P7 (dodeca-cobalt hepta-phosphide).
- Synthesis at 27 GPa/1740 K and 48 GPa/1790 K.
- Co12P7 adopts a structure with edge-sharing CoP5 square pyramids and corner-sharing CoP4 tetrahedra, with ordered Co and P sites.
Conclusions:
- The new Co12P7 structure provides insights into metal-rich phosphide behavior under extreme conditions.
- Observed phase instability upon decompression suggests potential for dynamic behavior in planetary cores.
