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Published on: July 24, 2015
Superconducting Continuous Graphene Fibers via Calcium Intercalation
Yingjun Liu1, Hui Liang2, Zhen Xu1
1MOE Key Laboratory of Macromolecular Synthesis and Functionalization, Department of Polymer Science and Engineering, Key Laboratory of Adsorption and Separation Materials & Technologies of Zhejiang Province, Zhejiang University , 38 Zheda Road, Hangzhou 310027, People's Republic of China.
Researchers developed flexible graphene-based superconducting fibers using calcium intercalation. These novel carbon-based superconductors exhibit a transition temperature of ~11 K, offering a lightweight alternative for practical applications.
Area of Science:
- Materials Science
- Condensed Matter Physics
- Nanotechnology
Background:
- Superconductors are crucial for low-temperature magnets and power transmission.
- Carbon allotropes like graphene show superconducting properties but are limited in size.
- Macroscopic carbon-based superconductors are needed for broader applications.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the fabrication of continuous carbon-based superconducting wires.
- To explore the potential of graphene as a base material for superconducting fibers.
- To overcome limitations of small-size and discontinuous carbon superconductors.
Main Methods:
- Fabrication of flexible graphene-based superconducting fibers.
- Utilizing a calcium (Ca) intercalation strategy.
- Characterization of superconducting properties of the resultant fibers.
Main Results:
- Successfully synthesized flexible graphene-based superconducting fibers (Ca-GF).
- Achieved a superconducting transition temperature of approximately 11 K for Ca-GF.
- The transition temperature is significantly higher than previous carbon superconductors and comparable to NbTi wire.
Conclusions:
- Calcium-intercalated graphene fibers offer a promising route to macroscopic carbon-based superconductors.
- The developed Ca-GF exhibits excellent lightweight properties and scalability.
- These findings pave the way for lightweight superconducting wires in various technological fields.
