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Partially Diffusive Helium-Silica Compound under High Pressure

Accepted version
Peer-reviewed

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Type

Article

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Authors

Liu, C 
Wang, J 
Deng, X 
Wang, X 
Pickard, CJ 

Abstract

jats:pHelium is the second most abundant element in the universe, and together with silica, they are important components of giant planets. Exploring the reactivity and state of helium and silica under high pressure is crucial for understanding of the evolution and internal structure of giant planets. Here, using first-principles calculations and crystal structure predictions, we identify four stable phases of a helium-silica compound with seven/eight-coordinated silicon atoms at pressure of 600–4000 GPa, corresponding to the interior condition of the outer planets in the solar system. The density of HeSiOjats:sub2</jats:sub> agrees with current structure models of the planets. This helium-silica compound exhibits a superionic-like helium diffusive state under the high-pressure and high-temperature conditions along the isentropes of Saturn, a metallic fluid state in Jupiter, and a solid state in the deep interiors of Uranus and Neptune. These results show that helium may affect the erosion of the rocky core in giant planets and may help to form a diluted core region, which not only highlight the reactivity of helium under high pressure but also provide evidence helpful for building more sophisticated interior models of giant planets.</jats:p>

Description

Keywords

5109 Space Sciences, 51 Physical Sciences

Journal Title

Chinese Physics Letters

Conference Name

Journal ISSN

0256-307X
1741-3540

Volume Title

Publisher

IOP Publishing