# Superconducting Lithium Hydride in a Chemical Capacitor Setup: A Theoretical Study

## TL;DR

This study proposes a new method to metallize lithium hydride under normal pressure, predicting superconductivity at low temperatures.

## Contribution

A chemical capacitor setup enables metallization and superconductivity in lithium hydride without high pressure.

## Key findings

- Single-layer LiH can withstand up to 0.61 holes per H atom without structural collapse.
- Electron-phonon coupling strength reaches 2.1 in the TiO | LiH | TiO system.
- Superconductivity with Tc up to 17.5 K is predicted for 0.31-hole-doped LiH.

## Abstract

Metallization of the ionic hydride LiH has never been achieved experimentally, even under high external pressure. Herein, a novel “chemical capacitor” setup to facilitate its metallization under ambient pressure conditions is applied. The findings reveal that a single layer of this material can withstand doping levels up to an impressive 0.61 holes per H atom without structural collapse, as demonstrated in the ZrC | LiH | ZrC system. Additionally, the electron–phonon coupling strength (λ) reaches a remarkable value of 2.1 in the TiO | LiH | TiO system, indicative of the strong coupling regime. Superconductivity calculations further predict a maximum critical temperature (Tc) of 17.5 K for 0.31‐hole‐doped LiH with (LiBaF3)2 as surrounding support layers in the absence of external pressure.

Metallization of bulk lithium hydride has never been achieved through pressure alone. Single‐layer lithium hydride sandwiched between two support layers may resist hole doping up to substantial levels, forming a two‐dimensional metal (Fermi surface shown). This system is predicted to exhibit superconductivity with T
c values up to 17.5 K under ambient pressure conditions.© 2025 WILEY‐VCH GmbH