Statistical thermodynamic study of the ternary compounds ThXyHx ( X = C, N; y < 1; x < 2)

Abstract

The stability and the nature of bonding in hypostoichiometric ThH 2, hcp ThC 0.46 H x and fcc ThN y H x ( y = 0.486 and 0.692) are studied on the basis of statistical thermodynamics. The discussions are made in terms of the atomic partition function of H in these condensed phases and of the interaction energy terms. It is concluded that the nature of bonding in ThN y H x is approximately the same as that in ThH 2. On the other hand, the nature of bonding in ThC y H x is found to be significantly different from that in ThH 2.