Observation of metastable erbium trihydride

The γ phase of the erbium–hydrogen system is a hexagonal trihydride that is not predicted to be stable at room temperature without an overpressure of hydrogen gas. Herein, we report the creation of both, a thin film and powder of erbium trihydride that is metastable at ambient conditions. The presen...

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Bibliographic Details
Published in:Applied surface science 2006-12, Vol.253 (5), p.2597-2602
Main Authors: Tewell, Craig R., King, Saskia H.
Format: Article
Language:English
Subjects:
Gas–solid reactions
Hydrogen storage materials
Photoelectron spectroscopy
Surfaces and interfaces
Thin films
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Summary:The γ phase of the erbium–hydrogen system is a hexagonal trihydride that is not predicted to be stable at room temperature without an overpressure of hydrogen gas. Herein, we report the creation of both, a thin film and powder of erbium trihydride that is metastable at ambient conditions. The presence of the hexagonal γ phase was determined by X-ray diffraction (XRD). The ratio of the total moles of hydrogen isotopes (hydrogen and deuterium) to moles of erbium, (H + D):Er, have been confirmed by elastic recoil detection (ERD)/Rutherford backscattering spectroscopy (RBS). Auger electron spectroscopy (AES) depth profiles and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) revealed the presence of an oxide layer that may account for the metastable behavior of the thin film.
ISSN:0169-4332
1873-5584
DOI:10.1016/j.apsusc.2006.05.025