Clapeyron slope reversal in the melting curve of AuGa2 at 5.5 GPa

J Phys Condens Matter. 2013 Oct 16;25(41):415401. doi: 10.1088/0953-8984/25/41/415401. Epub 2013 Sep 11.

Abstract

We use x-ray diffraction in a resistively heated diamond anvil cell to extend the melting curve of AuGa2 beyond its minimum at 5.5 GPa and 720 K, and to constrain the high-temperature phase boundaries between cubic (fluorite structure), orthorhombic (cottunite structure) and monoclinic phases. We document a large change in Clapeyron slope that coincides with the transitions from cubic to lower symmetry phases, showing that a structural transition is the direct cause of the change in slope. In addition, moderate (~30 K) to large (90 K) hysteresis is detected between melting and freezing, from which we infer that at high pressures, AuGa2 crystals can remain in a metastable state at more than 5% above the thermodynamic melting temperature.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't
  • Research Support, U.S. Gov't, Non-P.H.S.

MeSH terms

  • Computer Simulation
  • Gallium / chemistry*
  • Gold / chemistry*
  • Models, Chemical*
  • Models, Molecular*
  • Phase Transition
  • Pressure
  • Thermodynamics*
  • Transition Temperature

Substances

  • Gold
  • Gallium