Metal-insulator transition, and superconducting and superionic states in a pressure-stabilized lithium-indium electride
Phys. Rev. B 113, 144111 – Published 22 April, 2026
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1103/qlbw-mbj8
Abstract
Recently, electrides have received great attention because of their unique electronic, structural, and electron-phonon coupling behaviors, which are mainly attributed to the localizations of nonbound electrons at crystalline interstitial regions. Here, we propose several stable exotic Li-In compounds under pressures based on the crystal structure predictions and first-principles calculations. We identify a compound with electride characters, which transitions from a metallic state into an insulating state with increasing pressure due to the orbital overlapping and electron localization. is also calculated to have a superconducting transition temperature of 7.33 K at 60 GPa. Moreover, superionic states are found in and at high temperatures with diffused lithium atoms. It is remarkable to observe the coexistence behavior of superconducting, insulating, and superionic states within a single electride system. Our results enrich the high-pressure phase diagram of Li-In alloys and provide theoretical support for subsequent experiments.