Novel Hydrothermal Method for the Growth of Lithium Iridate

Abstract

Quantum Spin-Liquids are materials whose odd electronic behavior has made them theoretical candidates for quantum computation in real systems. Of such candidates, lithium iridate has been thoroughly discussed as a potential material to host quantum spin-liquid behavior, however all results to date have shown this not to be the case. This project reports a new method of synthesis for lithium iridate, via hydrothermal growth, in order to see if a crystal of higher purity would yield different results than crystals made via high-temperature melts. Different mineralizers and reagents were tested in order to find a reliable method of synthesis using the hydrothermal method. Two promising routes of synthesizing lithium iridate (α-Li2IrO3) via this method were found: The first, involving 5M LiOH and IrO2 and the second method involving 5M LiOH and IrCl3. The product generated in both methods, however, remains in a powder form. Further exploration into this system is required in order to grow a single crystal of sufficient size to measure its physical properties.