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Significant Advances in Superconductivity: New Copper-Free Oxide Material Discovered
A collaborative effort led by Professor Ariando and Dr. Stephen Lin Er Chow from the National University of Singapore (NUS) Department of Physics has culminated in the development of a remarkable new material: a copper-free superconducting oxide. This innovation can exhibit superconductivity at approximately 40 Kelvin (K), or around minus 233 degrees Celsius (°C), under normal atmospheric pressure. This achievement positions NUS and Singapore at the forefront of research in high-temperature superconductivity.
Following the discovery of copper oxide superconductivity nearly forty years ago—a groundbreaking achievement that was recognized with the Nobel Prize in Physics in 1987—the NUS research team has unveiled another oxide capable of high-temperature superconductivity. This finding broadens the horizon of unconventional superconductivity beyond the traditionally studied copper oxides.
The Advantages of Superconductors in Modern Technology
In today’s electronic devices, a significant amount of heat is generated, which typically leads to energy loss. Superconductors are unique in that they can maintain a zero-resistance state, eliminating energy losses associated with electrical resistance. In theory, this property positions them as ideal candidates for addressing the world’s increasing demand for energy-efficient electronic solutions.
However, despite the discovery of numerous superconducting materials, most operate effectively only at extremely low temperatures close to absolute zero (0 K or approximately minus 273 °C), limiting their practical applications in everyday technology.
A Historical Perspective: The 1987 Nobel Prize
The pivotal moment in superconductivity research came nearly four decades ago, when physicists Johannes Bednorz and Karl Müller uncovered a new category of superconductors—copper oxides—that could function at temperatures exceeding 30 K, a remarkable enhancement over all known superconductors of that time. This milestone earned them the Nobel Prize in Physics and laid the groundwork for future inquiries into high-temperature superconductivity. To date, copper oxides remain the only superconducting oxides known to operate above 30 K at ambient pressure without requiring lattice compression.
Breaking New Ground with Non-Copper Materials
In their rigorous studies, Prof. Ariando and Dr. Chow discovered a connection between interlayer interactions within layered systems and the observed superconducting temperatures. Utilizing this knowledge, they formulated a phenomenological model that predicted several materials, capable of high-temperature superconductivity without the inclusion of copper.
The researchers successfully synthesized (Sm-Eu-Ca)NiOâ‚‚, a nickel oxide, and confirmed its superconductivity with zero electrical resistance at temperatures exceeding 30 K. Dr. Chow remarked, “Our predictions came to fruition; this new non-copper superconducting oxide functions under atmospheric pressure at sea level, paralleling the behavior of copper oxides. This discovery highlights that the phenomenon of high-temperature superconductivity may not be confined to copper, suggesting a broader scope among various elements in the periodic table.”
Prof. Ariando further noted, “This finding carries significant implications for both the theoretical framework and experimental pursuit of a wider array of superconducting materials that could find practical applications in contemporary electronics.”
This pivotal research was documented in the esteemed scientific journal Nature on March 20, 2025.
Broadening the Horizons of Superconductivity
“This marks the first discovery of a copper-free high-temperature superconducting oxide that operates under ambient pressure since the Nobel-winning breakthrough,” Prof. Ariando emphasized. “Moreover, the stability of this new material under standard conditions greatly enhances its practical usability.”
As a result of this significant discovery, interest is surging not only in the material itself but also in the potential it holds for spawning a new category of high-temperature superconductors.
Ongoing Research and Future Prospects
The research team plans to delve deeper into the unique attributes of this new material, investigating various parameters such as electronic occupancy shifts and hydrostatic pressure. These inquiries aim to enhance understanding of high-temperature superconducting mechanisms and promote the synthesis of a wider array of superconductors with even elevated operational temperatures.
Additionally, Mr. Zhaoyang Luo, a PhD candidate at NUS, played a significant role by demonstrating the high crystallinity and pure-phase nature of the synthesized material through electron microscopy techniques.
This breakthrough represents a substantial advancement toward the realization of next-generation superconducting materials, potentially revolutionizing modern electronics and the push for energy-efficient solutions.
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