Pressure-induced superconductivity and electride states in lithium-gallium compounds
Phys. Rev. B 113, 024512 – Published 21 January, 2026
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1103/lf3k-r97c
Abstract
Li-based materials have garnered significant attention due to their diverse configurations, engaging electronic structures, and promising applications. Based on first-principles predictions, we identified several unusual stoichiometric lithium-gallium metallic phases under pressure, e.g., and . Strikingly, the with cubic symmetry and octahedron is estimated to hold a superconducting critical temperature () of 6.5 K at atmospheric pressure, exceeding the representative superconductor mercury and the boiling point of liquid helium, deriving from the coupled interaction of Ga electrons at the Fermi level with the low-frequency Ga atomic vibrations. Remarkably, the exhibits pressure-driven structural transitions accompanied by the evolution of interstitial anionic electrons (IAEs) topologies: the zero-dimensional IAEs in ambient-pressure -3 phase is converted into the one-dimensional (1D) IAEs in the compressed and phases, and the 1D IAEs and the valence electrons of Ga constitute a conducting network. Unexpectedly, the coexistence of electride and superconductivity states is uncovered in , and has the highest (15.2 K at 240 GPa) among Li-Ga superconductors, originating from the coupling between the Li and Ga states and the Li-dominated softened phonon modes at low frequencies. These findings provide design guidance for future exploration of emerging superconductor materials.