The Versatility of Superconductors

Beyond their potential in quantum computing, superconductors are utilized in several technologies, including magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) machines, mobile phone towers, and efficient electricity generation and transmission systems. Researchers are currently exploring their use in high-performance generators for wind turbines.

Imagine the possibilities if superconductors could operate under normal conditions, such as at room temperature. Surprisingly, the idea of a room-temperature superconductor is not as far-fetched as it may seem. While we may not discover naturally occurring superconductors on Earth, there is hope in the cosmos. Notably, the identification of superconductivity in graphene has spurred further research in this field.

In a recent development, scientists found trace amounts of a superconducting material in a giant meteorite that impacted Australia over a century ago. Although harvesting these space rocks is not a feasible solution, the pursuit of a room-temperature superconductor remains a promising avenue for research.

Superconductivity Breakthrough

Building on previous research that began with the discovery of a new class of superconductors in 2015, physicists from the Max Planck Institute for Chemistry in Mainz (Germany), in collaboration with other researchers, have created a new material that sets a record for superconductivity. This material can conduct electricity without resistance at temperatures reaching approximately 15 °C.

In the words of Ashkan Salamat, a co-author of the study, "By introducing a third element, we significantly expand the possibilities for future experiments aimed at discovering new superconductors. We have opened a whole new area for exploration."

Challenges Ahead

While this discovery is groundbreaking, it comes with a significant limitation: the superconductor only functions under extremely high pressures akin to those found near the Earth's core, making practical application challenging. Currently, there are superconductors that operate at atmospheric pressure but require extremely low temperatures. For instance, the most advanced superconductor, copper oxide-based ceramics, only works below 133 kelvin (approximately -140 °C).

The same research team that reported the first high-pressure, high-temperature superconductor in 2015 has now provided compelling evidence of high-temperature conductivity. Their previous compound, consisting of hydrogen and sulfur, achieved zero resistance at around -70 °C. The recent findings mark a significant milestone, as this is the first instance of such superconductivity being observed in a compound made up of three elements: carbon, sulfur, and hydrogen.

The addition of a third element in the mixture enhances the potential for developing new superconductors. Although materials at high pressure are already being utilized, introducing additional elements could lower the necessary operational pressure for superconductors.

The creation process of the latest superconductor involved mixing carbon, hydrogen, and sulfur in a minuscule space between the tips of two diamonds. A chemical reaction was triggered using laser light, resulting in crystal formation. As the temperature of the material decreased, its electrical resistance dropped to zero, achieving superconductivity.

The research team observed that as pressure increased, the transition to superconductivity occurred at progressively higher temperatures. The highest recorded temperature was 287.7 kelvin (approximately 15 °C) at a staggering pressure of 267 gigapascals—over 2.6 million times the atmospheric pressure at sea level. Additionally, the resulting crystal expelled its magnetic field at the transition temperature, confirming its superconducting properties.

Although previous studies have simulated high-pressure mixtures of carbon, hydrogen, and sulfur, this represents the first successful practical implementation. Other researchers stress that there is still much to uncover about this enigmatic material, and further analysis of the raw data is needed to understand its properties fully.

If validated, room-temperature superconductors could revolutionize technology, enabling electronics to operate faster without the risk of overheating. The complete research findings were published in the prestigious Journal Nature.

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The first video titled "Are Room Temperature Superconductors IMPOSSIBLE?" explores the complexities and possibilities surrounding this groundbreaking topic.

The second video, "The first room-temperature, ambient-pressure superconductor discovered in Korea," delves into recent discoveries in the field of superconductivity.