Systematic studies on phase transitions, phase compositions, and phase diagram of the methane-helium binary system under isothermal compression
Phys. Rev. B 113, 214102 – Published 8 June, 2026
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1103/4pzp-hxlv
Abstract
Helium and methane are the important constituents of ice giants in the solar system. As such, the behavior of methane-helium mixtures at high pressure offers insights into the structure and composition of interiors of ice giants. Here, we report on the room-temperature high-pressure phase diagram of methane-helium mixtures with helium concentrations from 10% to 98% examined by Raman spectroscopy and visual observation. Several two-phase equilibria and a liquid-liquid-solid three-phase equilibrium are observed upon loading and unloading pressure. Furthermore, based on the Raman vibrational frequency and corresponding full width at half maximum (FWHM) of C-H stretching vibration mode , we estimated helium concentrations of methane-rich fluid and helium-rich fluid in different methane-helium mixtures. In addition, Raman measurements for solid phase across all mixtures suggest helium can hardly dissolve in at high pressure.