How Crystal Chemistry Discovers New Intermetallic Materials
Based on the presentation at the Presidium of the National Academy of Sciences of Ukraine, May 12, 2021
Crystal chemistry is the science of the atomic structure of crystalline substances and the patterns of their formation. Its uniqueness lies in the ability to establish clear connections between chemical composition, crystal structure, and physical properties of materials. This provides scientists with the ability not to experiment blindly, but to purposefully create substances with specified characteristics 3 .
A special class of materials formed between two or more metals, distinguished from ordinary alloys by having certain stoichiometric proportions and an ordered crystal structure.
The Lviv scientific crystal chemistry school, founded at Ivan Franko National University of Lviv, has a rich history and recognition in the scientific world 3 .
One of the most important directions of modern research in the field of crystal chemistry of intermetallic compounds is the study of their hydrides - compounds with hydrogen. These studies have both fundamental and applied significance.
In November 2021, a group of scientists from the Department of Solid State Physics of Charles University (Prague) visited the Department of Inorganic Chemistry of Ivan Franko National University of Lviv to conduct joint research 1 .
The experiment was part of the Ukrainian-Czech project "Hydriding of Intermetallics: Hydrogen Storage and Control of Electronic Properties", coordinated from the Ukrainian side by Academician of the NAS of Ukraine, Professor Roman Gladyshevsky, and from the Czech side by Associate Professor, Dr. Ladislav Havel 1 .
| Stage | Main Activities | Location |
|---|---|---|
| Synthesis of Intermetallic Alloys | Creation of initial intermetallic compounds with clearly defined composition and structure | Laboratories of the Department of Inorganic Chemistry, LNU |
| Hydriding | Saturation of the obtained intermetallic compounds with hydrogen to obtain hydrides | Laboratories of the Department of Inorganic Chemistry, LNU |
| Structural Analysis | Study of the obtained hydrides using X-ray structural analysis | Interfaculty Research and Educational Laboratory of X-ray Structural Analysis |
| Property Research | Study of the obtained samples for their electrical, magnetic and other properties | Joint efforts of Lviv and Prague scientists |
Determination of the atomic structure of crystals - the main method for studying crystal structures.
Synthesis of intermetallic compounds and their hydrides - allows creating materials with a given composition.
Saturation of intermetallic compounds with hydrogen - provides controlled introduction of hydrogen into the crystal structure.
Study of electrical, magnetic and other properties - allows establishing the connection between structure and properties.
Intermetallic compounds and their hydrides find diverse applications in modern technologies:
Hydrides of intermetallic compounds can efficiently store large volumes of hydrogen, making them promising materials for hydrogen energy 1 .
These materials are used in batteries where they act as electrodes, providing high efficiency and battery durability 1 .
Some intermetallic compounds demonstrate the ability for selective interaction with certain gases or substances, making them valuable materials for creating sensitive sensors 1 .
| Application Area | Specific Use | Advantages |
|---|---|---|
| Energy | Hydrogen accumulators, fuel elements | High hydrogen storage capacity, safety |
| Electrical Engineering | Metal-hydride batteries | Durability, high efficiency |
| Sensors & Detectors | Gas sensors, biosensors | High sensitivity and selectivity |
| Electronics | Functional materials for electronic devices | Specific electrical and magnetic properties |
Research in the field of crystal chemistry of intermetallic materials, conducted by the Lviv scientific school in collaboration with Czech colleagues, opens new horizons in materials science. They combine fundamental scientific research with practical applications, offering solutions to such pressing problems as energy storage and the development of environmentally friendly technologies 1 .
"The future of materials science lies in a deep understanding of the atomic structure of substances and the ability to control it. And it is crystal chemistry, like no other science, that opens up these incredible possibilities for us."