Two aloof elements would bind under pressure, perhaps forming a superconductor, researchers say

Lithium (Li) and beryllium (Be) form no compounds under normal atmospheric pressure. But under high pressure at least four ordered alloys of these elements are predicted. The bottom left structure is the most unexpected predicted alloy and may have potential for superconductivity. Credit: Credit: Ji Feng, Richard G. Hennig, N.W. Ashcroft, and Roald Hoffmann