Advances in the LiCl salt flux method and the preparation of phase pure La2-xNdxLiHO3 (0 ≤ x ≤ 2) oxyhydrides.

Abstract

The LiCl salt flux method is an established aid in oxyhydride synthesis. By operating the flux below its melting point, we have obtained phase pure Nd2LiHO3 for the first time. Further, the suitability of the flux method is shown to be dictated by a delicate balance between the thermal stability of the oxyhydride in question and the ionic mobility of the reactants.