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Updated: Aug 15, 2025

Synthesis and Microdiffraction at Extreme Pressures and Temperatures
Published on: October 7, 2013
Structural and Electronic Transitions in Liquid FeO Under High Pressure.
Guillaume Morard1,2, Daniele Antonangeli2, Johann Bouchet3,4
1CNRS IRD IFSTTAR ISTerre Université Grenoble Alpes Université Savoie Mont Blanc Grenoble France.
This study investigates liquid iron oxide (FeO) properties under extreme planetary interior conditions. We reveal how its structure and density change, crucial for understanding planetary core-mantle boundaries.
Area of Science:
- Geophysics
- Mineral Physics
- High-Pressure Science
Background:
- Iron oxide (FeO) is a key component in planetary interiors.
- Properties of liquid FeO at high pressures are not well understood.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the local structure and density of liquid FeO under extreme pressure and temperature.
- To provide a parameterized thermal equation of state for liquid FeO.
Main Methods:
- In situ high-pressure and high-temperature X-ray diffraction.
- Ab initio simulations.
- Thermodynamic calculations.
Main Results:
- Observed significant Fe-Fe distance shortening below ~40 GPa, potentially linked to the insulator-metal transition.
- Density evolution between 60-150 GPa suggests a continuous spin crossover.
- Found evidence supporting decorrelation between insulator/metal and spin transitions.
Conclusions:
- Microscopic structural changes in liquid FeO correlate with macroscopic properties like miscibility.
- Developed a thermal equation of state for liquid FeO relevant to Earth's core-mantle boundary conditions.
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