New potential super-incompressible phase of ReN${}_2$

The structural, elastic, and electronic properties of ReN${}_2$ are investigated by first-principles calculations with density functional theory. The obtained orthorhombic $Pbcn$ structure is energetically the most stable structure at ambient pressure. ReN${}_2$ is a metallic, superincompressible solid and presents a rather elastic anisotropy. The estimated Debye temperature and hardness are 735 K and 17.1 GPa, respectively. Its estimated hardness is comparative to that of Si${}_3$N${}_4$.