Related Experiment Video
Updated: Mar 24, 2026
04:51
Comparison of Two Different Synthesis Methods of Single Crystals of Superconducting Uranium Ditelluride
Published on: July 8, 2021
3.2K
Pressure-induced superconductivity in a three-dimensional topological material ZrTe5
Yonghui Zhou1, Juefei Wu2, Wei Ning3
1High Magnetic Field Laboratory, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Hefei 230031, China; Key Laboratory of Materials Physics, Institute of Solid State Physics, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Hefei 230031, China;
Summary
High pressure induces superconductivity in zirconium pentatelluride (ZrTe5) topological material. Two distinct superconducting phases emerge, linked to structural transitions under extreme conditions.
Area of Science:
- Condensed Matter Physics
- Materials Science
- Topological Materials
Background:
- Zirconium pentatelluride (ZrTe5) is a novel topological material.
- Topological materials exhibit unique electronic properties.
- Understanding their behavior under extreme conditions is crucial.
Purpose of the Study:
- Investigate the effects of high pressure on ZrTe5.
- Explore the emergence of superconductivity in ZrTe5.
- Correlate superconductivity with structural changes.
Main Methods:
- High-pressure resistance and AC magnetic susceptibility measurements.
- In situ synchrotron X-ray diffraction and Raman spectroscopy.
- Theoretical calculations.
Main Results:
- Superconductivity emerges above 6.2 GPa, with Tc increasing up to 4.0 K.
- A second superconducting phase appears above 21.2 GPa, reaching Tc of 6.0 K.
- Structural transitions from Cmcm to C2/m and then to a C2/m/P-1 mixture correlate with superconductivity.
Conclusions:
- High pressure drives ZrTe5 through structural phase transitions, leading to two distinct superconducting phases.
- This study provides a comprehensive understanding of superconductivity in 3D topological materials under extreme pressure.
- ZrTe5 demonstrates potential for novel quantum phenomena under pressure.
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