Pressure-Induced Phase Transitions in Bilayer La${}_3$Ni${}_2$O${}_7$

Abstract

La${}_3$Ni${}_2$O${}_7$ exists in two polymorphs: an unconventional structure with alternating layers of single- and triple-layered nickel-oxygen octahedra, and a classical double-layered Ruddlesden-Popper phase. In this study, we report the growth of single crystals of classical double-layered La${}_3$Ni${}_2$O${}_7$ using the floating zone method. Structural characterization under pressures up to 15.4 GPa reveals a gradual transition from orthorhombic to tetragonal symmetry near 12 GPa. Additionally, we present pressure and field-dependent electrical resistance measurements under pressures as high as 27.4 GPa, from which we construct a phase diagram.

13+5 pages, 4+2 figures