Journal of the American Chemical Society, Vol.134, No.33, 13558-13561, 2012
Dumbbells of Five-Connected Silicon Atoms and Superconductivity in the Binary Silicides MSi3 (M = Ca, Y, Lu)
The new metastable binary silicides MSi3 (M = Ca, Y, Lu) have been synthesized by high-pressure, high-temperature reactions at pressures between 12(2) and 15(2) GPa and temperatures from 900(100) to 1400(150) K The atomic patterns comprise intricate silicon layers of condensed molecule-like Si-2 clirners. The alkaline-earth element adopts the oxidation state +2, while the rare-earth and transition metals realize +3. All of the compounds exhibit BCS-type superconductivity with weak. electron-phonon coupling below critical temperatures of up to 7 K.