Unraveling the structure and bonding evolution of the newly discovered iron oxide FeO 2
Recently reported synthesis of FeO 2 at high pressure has stimulated great interest in exploring this new iron oxide and elucidating its properties. Here, we present a systematic computational study of crystal structure, chemical bonding, and sound velocity of FeO 2 in a wide range of pressure. Our results establish thermodynamic stability of the experimentally observed pyrite phase (P-phase) of FeO 2 at pressures above 74 GPa and unveil two metastable FeO 2 phases in Pbcn and P4 2 /mnm symmetry at lower pressures. Simulated x-ray diffraction (XRD) spectra of Pbcn and P4 2 /mnm FeO 2 match well with measured XRD data of the decompression products of P-phase FeO 2 , providing compelling evidence for the presence of these metastable phases. Energetic calculations reveal unusually soft O-O bonds in P-phase FeO 2 stemming from a low-frequency libration mode of FeO 6 octahedra, rendering the O-O bond length highly sensitive to computational and physical environments. Calculated sound-velocity profiles of P-phase FeO 2 are markedly different from those of the Pbcn and P4 2 /mnm phases, underscoring their distinct seismic signatures. Here our findings offer insights for understanding the rich structural, bonding, and elastic behaviors of this newly discovered iron oxide.