Electronic Structure of the YH3 Phase from Angle-Resolved Photoemission Spectroscopy

TL;DR

This study uses angle-resolved photoemission spectroscopy to investigate the electronic structure of YH3, revealing the absence of metal d-bands at the Fermi level and unexpected flat bands at higher binding energies.

Contribution

It provides experimental insights into the electronic structure of YH3, highlighting discrepancies with theoretical predictions and suggesting increased electron affinity at hydrogen sites.

Findings

Absence of metal d-bands at the Fermi level

Presence of flat, H-induced bands at higher binding energy

Indication of increased electron affinity at H sites

Abstract

Yttrium can be loaded with hydrogen up to high concentrations causing dramatic structural and electronic changes of the host lattice. We report on angle-resolved photoemission experiments of the Y trihydride phase. Most importantly, we find the absence of metal d-bands at the Fermi level and a set of flat, H-induced bands located at much higher binding energy than predicted, indicating an increased electron affinity at H sites.