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Pressure-stabilized graphene-like P layer in superconducting LaP2.
Xing Li1, Xiaohua Zhang1,2, Zeng Yang3
1State Key Laboratory of Metastable Materials Science & Technology and Key Laboratory for Microstructural Material Physics of Hebei Province, School of Science, Yanshan University, Qinhuangdao 066004, China. yanggc468@nenu.edu.cn.
Physical Chemistry Chemical Physics : PCCP
|March 7, 2022
Summary
Researchers discovered superconductivity in a novel lanthanum phosphide (LaP2) under pressure, reaching 22.2 K. This finding opens new avenues for exploring high-temperature superconductors in phosphide materials.
Area of Science:
- Condensed Matter Physics
- Materials Chemistry
- Solid State Chemistry
Background:
- MgB2-type superconductors, crucial in physics and chemistry, exhibit superconductivity driven by graphene-like boron.
- Phosphides traditionally lack this superconductivity due to phosphorus's lone pair electrons.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the potential for superconductivity in phosphide materials.
- To explore novel superconducting compounds analogous to MgB2.
Main Methods:
- High-pressure synthesis and characterization of lanthanum phosphide (LaP2).
- Theoretical prediction of superconducting transition temperature (Tc).
- Analysis of electronic structure and atomic bonding.
Main Results:
- A pressure-stabilized LaP2 phase, isostructural to MgB2, was synthesized.
- Superconductivity was observed with a predicted Tc of 22.2 K, the highest for transition metal phosphides.
- LaP2 exhibits unique P atomic arrangement due to sp2 hybridization and lone pair distribution.
- Dynamic stabilization pressure is as low as 7 GPa.
- La phosphides show distinct properties compared to La nitrides/arsenides.
Conclusions:
- LaP2 represents a new class of MgB2-type superconductors.
- The findings challenge previous assumptions about phosphides' inability to superconduct.
- LaP2's properties make it a promising candidate for pressure-induced superconductor applications.
