Zero Linear Compressibility in Nondense Borates with a "Lu-Ban Stool"-Like Structure.

Jiang, Xingxing; Yang, Yi; Molokeev, Maxim S; Gong, Pifu; Liang, Fei; Wang, Shuaihua; Liu, Lei; Wu, Xiang et al. · Adv Mater · 2018

basic_science · Level V

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Abstract

Discovering materials that exhibit zero linear compressibility (ZLC) behavior under hydrostatic pressure is extremely difficult. To date, only a handful of ZLC materials have been found, and almost all of them are ultrahard materials with densified structures. Here, to explore ZLC in nondense materials, a structural model analogous to the structure of the "Lu-Ban stool," a product of traditional Chinese woodworking invented 2500 years ago, is proposed. The application of this model to borates leads to the discovery of ZLC in AEB<sub>2</sub> O<sub>4</sub> (AE = Ca and Sr) with the unique "Lu-Ban stool"-like structure, which can obtain a subtle mechanical balance between pressure-induced expansion and contraction effects. Coupled with the very wide ultraviolet transparent windows, the ZLC behavior of AEB<sub>2</sub> O<sub>4</sub> may result in some unique but important applications. The applications of the "Lu-Ban stool" model open a new route for pursuing ZLC materials in nondense structural systems.