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Published on: July 11, 2025
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Evidence for superconductivity in Li-decorated monolayer graphene.
B M Ludbrook1, G Levy1, P Nigge1
1Department of Physics and Astronomy, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC V6T 1Z1, Canada; Quantum Matter Institute, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC V6T 1Z4, Canada;
Summary
Researchers induced superconductivity in graphene by decorating it with lithium atoms. This decoration enhanced electron-phonon coupling, leading to a measurable pairing gap and suggesting superconductivity at 5.9 Kelvin.
Area of Science:
- Condensed Matter Physics
- Materials Science
- Quantum Materials
Background:
- Monolayer graphene possesses remarkable electronic properties, yet superconductivity remains an elusive phenomenon.
- Theoretical studies proposed inducing superconductivity via enhanced electron-phonon coupling through alkali adatom superlattices on graphene.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the potential for superconductivity in lithium-decorated monolayer graphene.
- To experimentally verify theoretical predictions of enhanced electron-phonon coupling in adatom-decorated graphene.
Main Methods:
- Utilizing angle-resolved photoemission spectroscopy (ARPES) to probe electronic and phononic properties.
- Analyzing the modification of the phonon density of states upon lithium deposition.
Main Results:
- Lithium deposition significantly enhanced the electron-phonon coupling (λ ≃ 0.58).
- A temperature-dependent pairing gap (Δ ≃ 0.9 meV) was observed on the graphene π*-band Fermi surface.
Conclusions:
- The findings provide the first experimental evidence for superconductivity in lithium-decorated monolayer graphene.
- Superconductivity is suggested to occur at a critical temperature (Tc) of approximately 5.9 K.
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