Discovery of a Superconducting Cu–Bi Intermetallic Compound by High-Pressure Synthesis

Samantha M. Clarke, James P.S. Walsh, Maximilian Amsler, Christos D. Malliakas, Tony Yu, Stefan Goedecker, Yanbin Wang, Chris Wolverton, Danna E. Freedman*

*Corresponding author for this work

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

40 Scopus citations

Abstract

A new intermetallic compound, the first to be structurally identified in the Cu−Bi binary system, is reported. This compound is accessed by high-pressure reaction of the elements. Its detailed characterization, physical property measurements, and ab initio calculations are described. The commensurate crystal structure of Cu11Bi7is a unique variation of the NiAs structure type. Temperature-dependent electrical resistivity and heat capacity measurements reveal a bulk superconducting transition at Tc=1.36 K. Density functional theory calculations further demonstrate that Cu11Bi7can be stabilized (relative to decomposition into the elements) at high pressure and temperature. These results highlight the ability of high-pressure syntheses to allow for inroads into heretofore-undiscovered intermetallic systems for which no thermodynamically stable binaries are known.

Original languageEnglish (US)
Pages (from-to)13446-13449
Number of pages4
JournalAngewandte Chemie - International Edition
Volume55
Issue number43
DOIs
StatePublished - Oct 17 2016

Keywords

  • bismuth
  • copper
  • high-pressure synthesis
  • intermetallics
  • superconductivity

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • Catalysis
  • General Chemistry

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