In a groundbreaking development that could revolutionize the energy sector, researchers have predicted a new high-temperature superconductor that exhibits superconductivity at ambient pressure, a feat previously thought to be beyond reach. The study, led by Đorđe Dangić from the University of the Basque Country (UPV/EHU) and the Centro de Física de Materiales (CFM-MPC), opens up new possibilities for energy transmission and storage.
The research, published in *Computational Materials Today* (translated as “Materials Today: Computational”), focuses on a novel compound, RbPH3, which demonstrates superconducting properties at around 100 K (-173°C) without the need for extreme pressures. This is a significant departure from conventional high-temperature superconductors, which typically require immense pressures to achieve similar properties.
“Our findings suggest that RbPH3 can be dynamically stabilized at ambient pressure thanks to ionic quantum anharmonic effects,” Dangić explained. “This means we can potentially synthesize and utilize this material under much more practical conditions, which is a game-changer for the energy sector.”
The study reveals that RbPH3 is thermodynamically stable at 30 GPa in a perovskite Pm3̄m phase, allowing for experimental synthesis at moderate pressures. As the pressure is lowered, the compound is expected to transform into a R3m phase, which remains dynamically stable down to ambient pressures due to ionic quantum fluctuations. Both phases are metallic, with the R3m phase exhibiting three distinct Fermi surfaces composed mostly of states with phosphorus and hydrogen character.
The implications for the energy sector are profound. Superconductors that operate at ambient pressure and high temperatures could drastically reduce energy losses during transmission, making power grids more efficient. They could also enable advancements in magnetic levitation technologies, high-performance computing, and energy storage solutions.
“This research demonstrates that ionic quantum fluctuations, often overlooked in high-throughput calculations, can stabilize ambient pressure hydride superconductors with a high critical temperature,” Dangić added. “It’s a significant step forward in our understanding of superconductivity and its potential applications.”
The discovery of RbPH3 as a high-temperature superconductor at ambient pressure marks a pivotal moment in the field of materials science. As researchers continue to explore the properties and potential of this compound, the energy sector stands to benefit from more efficient and innovative technologies. The study not only advances our scientific knowledge but also paves the way for practical applications that could transform the way we generate, transmit, and store energy.