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Anisotropic Superconducting Nb2 CTx MXene Processed by Atomic Exchange at the Wafer Scale
Xiangming Xu1, Chenghui Zhang1, Jun Yin2
1Materials Science and Engineering, Physical Science and Engineering, King Abdullah University of Science and Technology (KAUST), Thuwal, 23955-6900, Saudi Arabia.
Advanced Materials (Deerfield Beach, Fla.)
|November 1, 2023
Summary
Superconductivity was induced in 2D niobium titanium carbide (Nb2CTx) MXene using a novel high-temperature atomic exchange process. This method revealed intrinsic anisotropic superconducting properties in single flakes and thin films, paving the way for scalable devices.
Area of Science:
- Materials Science
- Condensed Matter Physics
- Nanotechnology
Background:
- Superconductivity in MXenes is typically achieved via surface modification.
- Previous studies focused on powders and pellets, lacking insight into intrinsic nanoscale superconducting properties.
- 2D niobium titanium carbide (Nb2CTx) MXene is a promising material for exploring novel electronic phenomena.
Purpose of the Study:
- To induce and investigate superconductivity in single-flake and thin-film Nb2CTx MXene.
- To understand the atomic exchange process and its effect on the MXene lattice.
- To reveal the intrinsic superconducting properties, particularly anisotropy, at the nanoscale.
Main Methods:
- High-temperature atomic exchange process in ammonia (NH3) atmosphere.
- Experimental characterization of single flakes and thin films.
- Density functional theory (DFT) calculations to study structural and electronic changes.
- Fabrication of 2D superconducting devices for property measurements.
Main Results:
- Superconductivity was successfully induced in Nb2CTx MXene single flakes and thin films.
- An anisotropic magnetic response associated with the 2D superconducting transition was observed.
- The atomic exchange process involving nitrogen and surface atoms (F, C, O) was elucidated.
- Scalable thin films of superconducting Nb2CTx MXene were demonstrated on 4-inch wafers.
Conclusions:
- A novel high-temperature atomic exchange process enables intrinsic superconductivity in 2D Nb2CTx MXene.
- The study reveals anisotropic superconducting behavior at the nanoscale.
- The findings open avenues for developing scalable MXene-based superconducting devices and technologies.
