1
|
Chen S, Xie H, Xu D, Chen J, Cao B, Liang M, Sun Y, Gai X, Wang X, Yang M, Zhang M, Duan D, Li D, Tian F. Superconductivity of cubic MB6 (M = Na, K, Rb, Cs). J Chem Phys 2024; 160:044702. [PMID: 38258919 DOI: 10.1063/5.0179339] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/01/2023] [Accepted: 01/01/2024] [Indexed: 01/24/2024] Open
Abstract
Previous studies have shown that NaB6, KB6, and RbB6 adopting Pm3̄m are superconductors with a relatively high Tc under ambient conditions. In this paper, we conducted systematic structural and related properties research on CsB6 through a genetic evolution algorithm and total energy calculations based on density functional theory between 0 and 20 GPa. Our results reveal a cubic Pm3̄m CsB6, which is dynamically stable under the pressures we studied. We systematically calculated the formation enthalpies, electronic properties, and superconducting properties of Pm3̄m MB6 (M = Na, K, Rb, Cs). They all exhibit metallic features, and boron has high contributions to band structures, density of states, and electron-phonon coupling (EPC). The calculated results about the Helmholtz free energy difference of Pm3̄m CsB6 at 0, 10, and 20 GPa indicate that it is stable upon chemical decomposition (decomposition to simple substances Cs and B) from 0 to 400 K. The phonon density of states indicates that boron atoms occupy the high frequency area. The EPC results show that Pm3̄m CsB6 is a superconductor with Tc = 11.7 K at 0 GPa, close to NaB6 (13.1 K), KB6 (11.7 K), and RbB6 (11.3 K) at 0 GPa in our work, which indicates that boron atoms play an essential role in superconductivity: vibrations of B6 regular octagons lead to the high Tc of Pm3̄m MB6. Our work about Pm3̄m hexaborides provides a supplementary study on the borides of the group IA elements (without Fr and Li) and has an important guiding significance for the experimental synthesis of CsB6.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Shi Chen
- State Key Laboratory of Superhard Materials, College of Physics, Jilin University, Changchun 130012, China
| | - Hui Xie
- College of Physics and Electronic Engineering, Hebei Normal University for Nationalities, Chengde 067000, China
| | - Dan Xu
- State Key Laboratory of Superhard Materials, College of Physics, Jilin University, Changchun 130012, China
| | - Jiajin Chen
- State Key Laboratory of Superhard Materials, College of Physics, Jilin University, Changchun 130012, China
| | - Bohan Cao
- State Key Laboratory of Superhard Materials, College of Physics, Jilin University, Changchun 130012, China
| | - Min Liang
- State Key Laboratory of Superhard Materials, College of Physics, Jilin University, Changchun 130012, China
| | - Yibo Sun
- State Key Laboratory of Superhard Materials, College of Physics, Jilin University, Changchun 130012, China
| | - Xiaoqian Gai
- State Key Laboratory of Superhard Materials, College of Physics, Jilin University, Changchun 130012, China
| | - Xinwei Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Superhard Materials, College of Physics, Jilin University, Changchun 130012, China
| | - Mengxin Yang
- State Key Laboratory of Superhard Materials, College of Physics, Jilin University, Changchun 130012, China
| | - Mengrui Zhang
- State Key Laboratory of Superhard Materials, College of Physics, Jilin University, Changchun 130012, China
| | - Defang Duan
- State Key Laboratory of Superhard Materials, College of Physics, Jilin University, Changchun 130012, China
| | - Da Li
- State Key Laboratory of Superhard Materials, College of Physics, Jilin University, Changchun 130012, China
| | - Fubo Tian
- State Key Laboratory of Superhard Materials, College of Physics, Jilin University, Changchun 130012, China
| |
Collapse
|
2
|
Cerqueira TFT, Sanna A, Marques MAL. Sampling the Materials Space for Conventional Superconducting Compounds. ADVANCED MATERIALS (DEERFIELD BEACH, FLA.) 2024; 36:e2307085. [PMID: 37985412 DOI: 10.1002/adma.202307085] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/18/2023] [Revised: 11/03/2023] [Indexed: 11/22/2023]
Abstract
A large scale study of conventional superconducting materials using a machine-learning accelerated high-throughput workflow is performed, starting by creating a comprehensive dataset of around 7000 electron-phonon calculations performed with reasonable convergence parameters. This dataset is then used to train a robust machine learning model capable of predicting the electron-phonon and superconducting properties based on structural, compositional, and electronic ground-state properties. Using this machine, the transition temperatures (Tc ) of approximately 200 000 metallic compounds are evaluated, all of which are on the convex hull of thermodynamic stability (or close to it) to maximize the probability of synthesizability. Compounds predicted to have Tc values exceeding 5 K are further validated using density-functional perturbation theory. As a result, 541 compounds with Tc values surpassing 10 K, encompassing a variety of crystal structures and chemical compositions, are identified. This work is complemented with a detailed examination of several interesting materials, including nitrides, hydrides, and intermetallic compounds. Particularly noteworthy is LiMoN2 , which is predicted to be superconducting in the stoichiometric trigonal phase, with a Tc exceeding 38 K. LiMoN2 has previously been synthesized in this phase, further heightening its potential for practical applications.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Tiago F T Cerqueira
- CFisUC, Department of Physics, University of Coimbra, Rua Larga, Coimbra, 3004-516, Portugal
| | - Antonio Sanna
- Max-Planck-Institut für Mikrostrukturphysik, Weinberg 2, D-06120, Halle, Germany
| | - Miguel A L Marques
- Research Center Future Energy Materials and Systems of the University Alliance Ruhr, Faculty of Mechanical Engineering, Ruhr University Bochum, Universitätsstraße 150, D-44801, Bochum, Germany
| |
Collapse
|
3
|
Jardine MA, Dardzinski D, Yu M, Purkayastha A, Chen AH, Chang YH, Engel A, Strocov VN, Hocevar M, Palmstro̷m C, Frolov SM, Marom N. First-Principles Assessment of CdTe as a Tunnel Barrier at the α-Sn/InSb Interface. ACS APPLIED MATERIALS & INTERFACES 2023; 15:16288-16298. [PMID: 36940162 PMCID: PMC10064317 DOI: 10.1021/acsami.3c00323] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/08/2023] [Accepted: 03/09/2023] [Indexed: 06/17/2023]
Abstract
Majorana zero modes, with prospective applications in topological quantum computing, are expected to arise in superconductor/semiconductor interfaces, such as β-Sn and InSb. However, proximity to the superconductor may also adversely affect the semiconductor's local properties. A tunnel barrier inserted at the interface could resolve this issue. We assess the wide band gap semiconductor, CdTe, as a candidate material to mediate the coupling at the lattice-matched interface between α-Sn and InSb. To this end, we use density functional theory (DFT) with Hubbard U corrections, whose values are machine-learned via Bayesian optimization (BO) [ npj Computational Materials 2020, 6, 180]. The results of DFT+U(BO) are validated against angle resolved photoemission spectroscopy (ARPES) experiments for α-Sn and CdTe. For CdTe, the z-unfolding method [ Advanced Quantum Technologies 2022, 5, 2100033] is used to resolve the contributions of different kz values to the ARPES. We then study the band offsets and the penetration depth of metal-induced gap states (MIGS) in bilayer interfaces of InSb/α-Sn, InSb/CdTe, and CdTe/α-Sn, as well as in trilayer interfaces of InSb/CdTe/α-Sn with increasing thickness of CdTe. We find that 16 atomic layers (3.5 nm) of CdTe can serve as a tunnel barrier, effectively shielding the InSb from MIGS from the α-Sn. This may guide the choice of dimensions of the CdTe barrier to mediate the coupling in semiconductor-superconductor devices in future Majorana zero modes experiments.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Malcolm
J. A. Jardine
- Department
of Physics and Astronomy, University of
Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania 15260, United States
| | - Derek Dardzinski
- Department
of Materials Science and Engineering, Carnegie
Mellon University, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania 15213, United States
| | - Maituo Yu
- Department
of Materials Science and Engineering, Carnegie
Mellon University, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania 15213, United States
| | - Amrita Purkayastha
- Department
of Physics and Astronomy, University of
Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania 15260, United States
| | - An-Hsi Chen
- Department
of Physics and Astronomy, University of
Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania 15260, United States
| | - Yu-Hao Chang
- Université
Grenoble Alpes, CNRS, Grenoble INP, Institut Néel, Grenoble 38000, France
| | - Aaron Engel
- Université
Grenoble Alpes, CNRS, Grenoble INP, Institut Néel, Grenoble 38000, France
| | - Vladimir N. Strocov
- Materials
Department, University of California-Santa
Barbara, Santa
Barbara, California 93106, United States
| | - Moïra Hocevar
- Department
of Physics and Astronomy, University of
Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania 15260, United States
| | - Chris Palmstro̷m
- Université
Grenoble Alpes, CNRS, Grenoble INP, Institut Néel, Grenoble 38000, France
- Paul Scherrer
Institut, Swiss Light Source, Villigen PSI CH-5232, Switzerland
| | - Sergey M. Frolov
- Department
of Physics and Astronomy, University of
Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania 15260, United States
| | - Noa Marom
- Department
of Materials Science and Engineering, Carnegie
Mellon University, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania 15213, United States
- Department
of Electrical and Computer Engineering, University of California-Santa Barbara, Santa Barbara, California 93106, United States
- Department
of Chemistry, Carnegie Mellon University, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania 15213, United States
| |
Collapse
|
4
|
Boeri L, Hennig R, Hirschfeld P, Profeta G, Sanna A, Zurek E, Pickett WE, Amsler M, Dias R, Eremets MI, Heil C, Hemley RJ, Liu H, Ma Y, Pierleoni C, Kolmogorov AN, Rybin N, Novoselov D, Anisimov V, Oganov AR, Pickard CJ, Bi T, Arita R, Errea I, Pellegrini C, Requist R, Gross EKU, Margine ER, Xie SR, Quan Y, Hire A, Fanfarillo L, Stewart GR, Hamlin JJ, Stanev V, Gonnelli RS, Piatti E, Romanin D, Daghero D, Valenti R. The 2021 room-temperature superconductivity roadmap. JOURNAL OF PHYSICS. CONDENSED MATTER : AN INSTITUTE OF PHYSICS JOURNAL 2022; 34:183002. [PMID: 34544070 DOI: 10.1088/1361-648x/ac2864] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/05/2021] [Accepted: 09/20/2021] [Indexed: 06/13/2023]
Abstract
Designing materials with advanced functionalities is the main focus of contemporary solid-state physics and chemistry. Research efforts worldwide are funneled into a few high-end goals, one of the oldest, and most fascinating of which is the search for an ambient temperature superconductor (A-SC). The reason is clear: superconductivity at ambient conditions implies being able to handle, measure and access a single, coherent, macroscopic quantum mechanical state without the limitations associated with cryogenics and pressurization. This would not only open exciting avenues for fundamental research, but also pave the road for a wide range of technological applications, affecting strategic areas such as energy conservation and climate change. In this roadmap we have collected contributions from many of the main actors working on superconductivity, and asked them to share their personal viewpoint on the field. The hope is that this article will serve not only as an instantaneous picture of the status of research, but also as a true roadmap defining the main long-term theoretical and experimental challenges that lie ahead. Interestingly, although the current research in superconductor design is dominated by conventional (phonon-mediated) superconductors, there seems to be a widespread consensus that achieving A-SC may require different pairing mechanisms.In memoriam, to Neil Ashcroft, who inspired us all.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Lilia Boeri
- Physics Department, Sapienza University and Enrico Fermi Research Center, Rome, Italy
| | - Richard Hennig
- Deparment of Material Science and Engineering and Quantum Theory Project, University of Florida, Gainesville 32611, United States of America
| | - Peter Hirschfeld
- Department of Physics, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL 32611, United States of America
| | | | - Antonio Sanna
- Max Planck Institute of Microstructure Physics, Halle, Germany
| | - Eva Zurek
- University at Buffalo, SUNY, United States of America
| | | | - Maximilian Amsler
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, University of Bern, Freiestrasse 3, CH-3012 Bern, Switzerland
- Department of Materials Science and Engineering, Cornell University, Ithaca, NY 14853, United States of America
| | - Ranga Dias
- University of Rochester, United States of America
| | | | | | | | - Hanyu Liu
- Jilin University, People's Republic of China
| | - Yanming Ma
- Jilin University, People's Republic of China
| | - Carlo Pierleoni
- Department of Physics, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL 32611, United States of America
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | - Tiange Bi
- University at Buffalo, SUNY, United States of America
| | | | - Ion Errea
- University of the Basque Country, Spain
| | | | - Ryan Requist
- Max Planck Institute of Microstructure Physics, Halle, Germany
- Hebrew University of Jerusalem, Israel
| | - E K U Gross
- Max Planck Institute of Microstructure Physics, Halle, Germany
- Hebrew University of Jerusalem, Israel
| | | | - Stephen R Xie
- Department of Physics, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL 32611, United States of America
| | - Yundi Quan
- Department of Physics, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL 32611, United States of America
| | - Ajinkya Hire
- Department of Physics, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL 32611, United States of America
| | - Laura Fanfarillo
- Department of Physics, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL 32611, United States of America
- Scuola Internazionale Superiore di Studi Avanzati (SISSA), Via Bonomea 265, 34136 Trieste, Italy
| | - G R Stewart
- Department of Physics, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL 32611, United States of America
| | - J J Hamlin
- Department of Physics, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL 32611, United States of America
| | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
5
|
Wang D, Ding Y, Mao HK. Future Study of Dense Superconducting Hydrides at High Pressure. MATERIALS (BASEL, SWITZERLAND) 2021; 14:7563. [PMID: 34947173 PMCID: PMC8707326 DOI: 10.3390/ma14247563] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/17/2021] [Revised: 11/17/2021] [Accepted: 12/01/2021] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
Abstract
The discovery of a record high superconducting transition temperature (Tc) of 288 K in a pressurized hydride inspires new hope to realize ambient-condition superconductivity. Here, we give a perspective on the theoretical and experimental studies of hydride superconductivity. Predictions based on the BCS-Eliashberg-Midgal theory with the aid of density functional theory have been playing a leading role in the research and guiding the experimental realizations. To date, about twenty hydrides experiments have been reported to exhibit high-Tc superconductivity and their Tc agree well with the predicted values. However, there are still some controversies existing between the predictions and experiments, such as no significant transition temperature broadening observed in the magnetic field, the experimental electron-phonon coupling beyond the Eliashberg-Midgal limit, and the energy dependence of density of states around the Fermi level. To investigate these controversies and the origin of the highest Tc in hydrides, key experiments are required to determine the structure, bonding, and vibrational properties associated with H atoms in these hydrides.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
| | - Yang Ding
- Center for High Pressure Science and Technology Advanced Research, Beijing 100094, China; (D.W.); (H.-K.M.)
| | | |
Collapse
|