New Superconductors Discovered at Ambient Pressure
A groundbreaking discovery has emerged from the Southern University of Science and Technology (Sustech) in Shenzhen, China. Researchers have identified a new class of superconductors that can conduct electricity without resistance at a temperature of 45 Kelvin (-228°C) and under normal atmospheric pressure. This significant advancement in nickel oxide-based compounds could revolutionize various technologies, including medical imaging and energy transmission. The implications of this discovery are vast, as it opens new avenues for research and application in the field of superconductivity.
Findings on Nickelate Superconductors
The recent study published in the journal Nature highlights the remarkable properties of nickelate superconductors. Researchers synthetically grew thin films of nickelate crystals in the laboratory. These materials displayed critical characteristics of superconductivity, such as the complete loss of electrical resistance and the expulsion of magnetic fields. Dafeng Li, a physicist at the City University of Hong Kong, emphasized the potential of nickelates in practical applications. He noted that increasing the critical temperature of these materials could lead to significant advancements in technology.
Nickelates now join the ranks of cuprates and pnictides as unconventional superconductors that operate at standard atmospheric pressure. These materials can function at temperatures as high as -123 degrees Celsius. The discovery of nickelates contributes to the ongoing quest to understand how superconductivity occurs in such materials. Researchers hope that this understanding will eventually lead to the development of superconductors that can operate at room temperature, which would be a game-changer for many industries.
Advancements and Future Prospects
Interest in nickelates has surged since 2019, when early signs of superconductivity were first detected in similar materials. The structural similarities between nickelates and cuprates raised hopes for higher operational temperatures. A significant breakthrough occurred in 2023 when superconductivity was demonstrated in nickelates under high pressure. However, the latest research reveals that these superconducting properties can be achieved even at ambient pressure, making them more accessible for practical applications.
In December, scientists at Stanford University provided initial evidence of superconductivity in nickelates under normal conditions. The recent study further confirms these findings, establishing nickelates as a promising subject for future research. Zhuoyu Chen, a physicist at Sustech and co-author of the study, stated that raising the critical temperature remains a primary goal. Ongoing efforts are focused on refining the material’s composition and growth methods to enhance its superconducting properties.
Global Interest in Superconductivity
The field of superconductivity has garnered intense global interest in recent years. However, some claims have proven controversial. High-profile reports of room-temperature superconductivity, such as those by physicist Ranga Dias at the University of Rochester, were later retracted. Similarly, claims surrounding LK-99, a material believed to exhibit room-temperature superconductivity, were debunked. These controversies highlight the challenges and complexities of superconductivity research.
Despite these setbacks, the discovery of nickelate superconductors represents a significant step forward. Researchers are optimistic about the potential applications of these materials in various fields. As the scientific community continues to explore the properties of nickelates, the hope is that they will lead to breakthroughs that could transform technology and improve energy efficiency worldwide.
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