Direct visualization of anionic electrons in an electride reveals inhomogeneities
Qiang Zheng, Tianli Feng, Jordan A. Hachtel, Ryo Ishikawa, Yongqiang Cheng, Luke L. Daemen, Jie Xing, Juan Carlos Idrobo, Jiaqiang Yan, Naoya Shibata, Yuichi Ikuhara, B. C. Sales, Sokrates T. Pantelides, Miaofang Chi
Abstract
with sub-angstrom spatial resolution using differential phase-contrast imaging in a scanning transmission electron microscope. The data further reveal an unexpected charge variation at different anionic sites. Density functional theory simulations show that the presence of trace H impurities is the cause of this inhomogeneity. The visualization and quantification of charge inhomogeneities in crystals will serve as valuable input in future theoretical predictions and experimental analysis of exotic properties in electrides and materials beyond.