Spontaneous self-intercalation of copper atoms into transition metal dichalcogenides

Intercalated transition metal dichalcogenides (TMDs) have attracted substantial interest due to their exciting electronic properties. Here, we report a unique approach where copper (Cu) atoms from bulk Cu solid intercalate spontaneously into van der Waals (vdW) gaps of group IV and V layered TMDs at room temperature and atmospheric pressure. This distinctive phenomenon is used to develop a strategy to synthesize Cu species–intercalated layered TMD compounds. A series of Cu-intercalated 2H-NbS2 compounds were obtained with homogeneous distribution of Cu intercalates in the form of monovalent Cu (I), occupying the tetrahedral sites coordinated by S atoms within the interlayer space of NbS2. The Fermi level of NbS2 shifts up because of the intercalation of Cu, resulting in the improvement of electrical conductivity in the z-direction. On the other hand, intercalation of Cu into vdW gaps of NbS2 systematically suppresses the superconducting transition temperature (Tc) and superconducting volume fraction.

Evolution of superconductivity in K2−xFe4+ySe5: Spectroscopic studies of X-ray absorption and emission

This study investigates the evolution of superconductivity in K2−xFe4+ySe5 using temperature-dependent X-ray absorption and resonant inelastic X-ray scattering techniques. Magnetization measurements show that polycrystalline superconducting (SC) K1.9Fe4.2Se5 has a critical temperature (Tc) of ∼31 K with a varying superconducting volume fraction, which strongly depends on its synthesis temperature. An increase in Fe-structural/vacancy disorder in SC samples with more Fe atoms occupying vacant 4d sites is found to be closely related to the decrease in the spin magnetic moment of Fe. Moreover, the nearest-neighbor Fe–Se bond length in SC samples exceeds that in the non-SC (NS) sample, K2Fe4Se5, which indicates a weaker hybridization between the Fe 3d and Se 4p states in SC samples. These results clearly demonstrate the correlations among the local electronic and atomic structures and the magnetic properties of K2−xFe4+ySe5 superconductors, providing deeper insight into the electron pairing mechanisms of superconductivity.

Investigation of Structural Formation of Starting Composition 2245 in the Bi-Pb-Sr-Ca-Cu-O System Superconductors

Structural formation of Bi1.65Pb0.35Sr2Ca4Cu5Oy (2245 phase) superconducting compound was investigated by preparing the sample in a new matrix route. The phases formed at different intervals of heat treatment are monitored by X-ray diffraction studies. Bi-2212 phase was found to be the predominant phase till 20 hours of sintering at 850°C after which Bi-2223 phase was found to be the major phase. Traces of Ca2PbO4 were also noticed along with 2212 and 2223 phases. For the first time, the highest TC onset of 127 K with maximum superconducting volume fraction was observed for the sample sintered at 850°C for 30 hours in this preparation. Further sintering is found to deteriorate the TC onset value of the sample. There was no signature of the formation of 2234 or 2245 phase in this synthesis.

APPLICATION OF ESR TO HIGH-Tc SUPERCONDUCTORS AND RELATED MATERIALS IV: ALKALI K DOPING EFFECTS ON THE SUPERCONDUCTING CHARACTERISTICS OF K3C60

Several samples of K 3 C 60 have been made by the calcination of C 60 powder plus K flakes in evacuated quartz tubes at temperatures between 100°C and 700°C for 24 hours. The non-resonant microwave absorption (NRMA) measurements have been done below T c for these samples. From the linewidths and intensities of the NRMA signals, the superconducting properties (T c superconducting volume fraction and vortex size) have been studied as a function of the calcination temperature.

Superconductivity of κ-(BEDT–TTF)2 Cu[N(CN) 2]Br: Isotope Effect Revisited

In 1991, we reported a normal isotope effect in organic superconductor κ-(BEDT–TTF)2Cu[N(CN)2]Br, when all the hydrogen atoms of BEDT – TTF were replaced with deuterium. In other words, Tc was depressed by as much as 0.9 K, in contrast to the “inverse isotope effect” commonly observed in 10K-class organic superconductors. Recently, it was reported that the deuterated κ-(BEDT–TTF)2Cu[N(CN)2]Br shows an insulating nature when cooled very rapidly. Therefore, it is necessary for us to reexamine the superconducting transition of both deuterated and undeuterated κ- (BEDT – TTF)2Cu[N(CN)2]Br by SQUID measurements with special attention to the cooling speed. We studied the effect of cooling rate ranging from 10 K/min down to as slow as 0.02 K/min, and observed a significant effect not only on the superconducting transition temperature Tc but also on the superconducting volume fraction.