Two New Cluster Ions, Ga[GaH_3]_(4~5-) with a Neopentane Structure in Rb_8Ga_5H_(15) and [GaH_2]_(n~n-)with a Polyethylene Structure in Rb_n(GaH_2)_n,Represent a New Class of Compounds with Direct Ga-Ga Bonds Mimicking Common Hydrocarbons

摘要

The first examples of a new class of gallium hydride clusters with direct Ga-Ga bonds and common hydrocarbon structures are reported. Neutron powder diffraction was used to find a Ga[GaH_3]_(4~5-) cluster ion with a neopentane structure in a novel cubic structure type of Rb_8Ga_5H_(15). Another cluster ion with a polyethylene structure, [GaH_2]_(n~n-), was found in a second novel (RbGaH_2)_n hydride. These hydrocarbon-like clusters in gallium hydride materials have significant implications for the discovery of hydrides for hydrogen storage as well as for interesting electronic properties.