Chemical and Physical Properties of YHg3 and LuHg3

Abstract

Amalgams have played an important role in fundamental and applied solid-state chemistry and physics because of the diversity of crystallographic features and properties that they have to offer. Moreover, their peculiar chemical properties can sometimes give rise to unconventional superconducting or magnetic ground states. In the current work, we present an in-depth analysis of single crystals of YHg₃ and LuHg₃ (Mg₃Cd structure type, space group P6₃/mmc). Both compounds show superconductivity below T_c = 1 ± 0.1 K (YHg₃) and T_c = 1.2 ± 0.1 K (LuHg₃). Given the high air-sensitivity and toxicity of these compounds, this study was only possible using a number of dedicated experimental techniques.