Stabilization of a nonsuperconducting, orthorhombic phase by overhydrogenating LaFeSiH
Phys. Rev. Materials 10, 054802 – Published 26 May, 2026
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1103/vrtz-9r5d
Abstract
Chemical composition provides a powerful route to tune the electronic ground state of iron-based superconductors and other quantum materials, yet access to highly doped phases remains limited. Here we demonstrate that high-pressure thermal decomposition of hydrogen-rich precursors enables overhydrogenation of LaFeSi. Using anthracene, we synthesize tetragonal superconducting LaFeSiH, including a single hydrogen site, while ammonia borane yields a structurally distorted overhydrogenated phase, , with an orthorhombic structure. Chemical analysis reveals excess hydrogen ( 0.6), implying a second H site in whose localization and occupancy are determined by neutron diffraction. In contrast to metallic LaFeSi and superconducting LaFeSiH, orthorhombic exhibits semiconductorlike behavior. Upon hydrogen release near 100 °C, it transforms into tetragonal superconducting (). These results establish the chemical flexibility of the layered ( = H, O, F) family and provide access to a high hydrogen-doping regime, creating new opportunities to investigate superconductivity in Fe-based silicides.