In the heart of Ethiopia, at Bahir Dar University, a physicist is making waves in the world of superconductors. Gedefaw Mebratie, a researcher at the College of Science, has just published a groundbreaking review in Nano Select, a journal that translates to ‘Nano Choice’ in English. His work focuses on a new class of iron-based superconductors, dubbed 1144-type, which could revolutionize the energy sector.
Imagine a world where power lines transmit electricity without loss, or where magnetic levitation trains crisscross the globe at unprecedented speeds. This is the promise of superconductors, materials that conduct electricity without resistance. Mebratie’s research delves into a specific type of these materials, the 1144-type iron-based superconductors (FeBSCs), which exhibit remarkable properties.
These novel superconductors are hybrids of two known structures, and they boast superconducting transition temperatures ranging from 31 to 37 Kelvin. But what sets them apart is their high upper critical magnetic field, high critical current density, and low anisotropy. In layman’s terms, they can handle more magnetic interference, carry more current, and are less directional in their properties. “These properties make them highly suitable for practical applications,” Mebratie explains.
One of the most exciting aspects of these 1144-type FeBSCs is their strong vortex pinning properties. In superconductors, vortices are tiny, quantized regions of magnetic flux that can move around, causing resistance. Pinning these vortices in place is crucial for maintaining superconductivity, especially in high magnetic fields. Mebratie’s review highlights how these new superconductors excel in this area.
So, how might this research shape future developments? The potential commercial impacts for the energy sector are vast. Superconductors could enable more efficient power transmission, reducing energy loss and lowering costs. They could also pave the way for more powerful and efficient electric motors, generators, and magnetic storage devices. Moreover, they could revolutionize transportation with maglev trains and improve medical imaging technologies like MRI machines.
Mebratie’s work is just the beginning. As he puts it, “The current findings and future possibilities of these 1144-type FeBSCs are vast and promising.” His review, published in Nano Select, provides a comprehensive overview of the crystal structure, electronic structure, magnetic properties, and synthesis methods of these novel superconductors. It’s a call to action for researchers worldwide to explore these materials further and unlock their full potential.
In the race to harness the power of superconductors, Mebratie’s research is a significant milestone. It’s a testament to the power of curiosity-driven research and the potential of emerging economies to contribute to global scientific advancements. As we stand on the brink of a superconducting revolution, one thing is clear: the future is looking bright, and it’s looking superconducting.
