Pressure-induced disorder and nanosizing inhibits superconductivity in In₂Te₃

Area of Science:

• Condensed Matter Physics
• Materials Science
• Superconductivity

Background:

• Disorder is known to significantly impact material properties, including superconductivity.
• Previous research has indicated a link between disorder and the suppression of superconducting states.
• Indium telluride (In2Te3) is a material exhibiting interesting superconducting properties under pressure.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the influence of induced disorder on the superconducting properties of In2Te3.
• To understand the mechanism by which disorder affects superconductivity in this material.
• To explore the potential for fabricating novel atmospheric-pressure superconductors.

Main Methods:

• Comprehensive high-pressure investigations were conducted on In2Te3.
• High-pressure X-ray diffraction was used to analyze structural changes.
• Transmission electron microscopy (TEM) was employed for microstructure analysis.

Main Results:

• Progressive suppression of superconductivity was observed in In2Te3 during depressurization, linked to increasing disorder.
• An irreversible structural phase transition occurred with increasing disorder.
• Microstructure analysis revealed significant grain refinement and enhanced disorder.

Conclusions:

• Increased disorder, induced by pressure cycling, irreversibly suppresses superconductivity in In2Te3.
• The study provides insights into the fundamental mechanisms of disorder-driven superconductivity suppression.
• Findings offer a pathway for designing and fabricating new superconductors operable at ambient pressure.