Low energy structural dynamics and constrained libration of Li(NH3)4, the lowest melting point metal

Abstract

The lattice and molecular dynamics for the solid phases of the lowest melting-point metal, Li(NH₃)₄, are determined by incoherent inelastic neutron scattering. Measurements of internal molecular displacements and distortions of the Li(NH₃)₄ units have been modelled and assigned using density functional theory calculations for the solid and molecular system. Inelastic neutron scattering measurement allow for the first determination of NH₃ librational transitions.