Unlocking new potential in 2D superconducting polymers

Unlocking new potential in 2D superconducting polymers
by Simon Mansfield
Sydney, Australia (SPX) Dec 27, 2024

Researchers at Peking University's School of Materials Science and Engineering, under the leadership of Professor Jin-Hu Dou, have synthesized a groundbreaking non-van-der-Waals two-dimensional (2D) coordination polymer. This novel material, Cu3BHT, showcases intrinsic superconducting properties and has been precisely characterized, marking a major step forward in materials science. The team's findings were published in Nature Communications on October 29, 2024, providing unprecedented insights into the structure and potential applications of these advanced materials.

The synthesized Cu3BHT polymer features a quasi-2D Kagome structure with interlayer covalent Cu-S bonds, diverging from earlier theories that suggested a graphite-like formation. This structural breakthrough was made possible through the creation of high-quality single crystals, which allowed atomic-level structural determinations and unveiled its remarkable electronic properties. Notably, the polymer exhibits superconductivity at a temperature of 0.25 K, making it a promising candidate for next-generation electronic and quantum materials.

Key Advances in Cu3BHT Research

Structural Innovations

- High-quality single crystals of Cu3BHT enabled detailed atomic-level analysis.

- The quasi-2D Kagome structure was revealed, overturning assumptions of a graphite-like layered formation.

Superconducting Features

- Cu3BHT demonstrated metallic conductivity, achieving 10 S/cm at room temperature and 104 S/cm at 2 K.

- A superconducting transition was observed at 0.25 K, attributed to strong electron-phonon coupling and electron-electron interactions.

Unique Interactions

- The material exhibits interlayer covalent Cu-S bonds, a notable departure from the van der Waals interactions typical of other 2D materials. These bonds are instrumental in its distinct electronic and superconducting properties.

Implications for Materials Science

Two-dimensional coordination polymers, often referred to as 2D metal-organic frameworks (MOFs), have rapidly gained attention for their modular lattice designs. Traditionally viewed as insulators, this study positions them as adaptable frameworks capable of supporting superconductivity and advanced quantum transport properties. The findings not only challenge existing perspectives but also expand the potential for developing high-performance electronic materials.

Research Report:Synthesis and structure of a non-van-der-Waals two-dimensional coordination polymer with superconductivity