Superatomic states under high pressure

• DOI: 10.1016/j.isci.2023.106281
• Publication Date: 2023-03-01T23:17:11Z
• Authors: Rui Wang; Xinrui Yang; Wanrong Huang; Zhonghua Liu; Yu Zhu; Hanyu Liu; Zhigang Wang
• Keywords: Superatom

The study of superatoms has attracted great interest since they apparently go beyond the traditional understanding periodic table elements. In this work, we clearly show that can be extended from conventional structures to states under pressure condition. By studying compression process CH4@C60 system formed via embedding methane molecules inside fullerene C60, it is found maintains superatomic properties in both static states, and even dynamic rotation situations influenced by quantum tunneling. Remarkably, simulations reveal emergence new molecular orbitals decreasing confined space approach van der Waals boundary between CH4 C60. Our current results not only establish a complete picture ambient condition high pressure, but also offer perspective for discovery exploration superatom systems extreme conditions.