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Enhanced Superconductivity and Structural Phase Transition in the Solid Solution Rh1-xPtxSb
Akira Iyo1, Hiroshi Fujihisa1, Izumi Hase1
1National Institute of Advanced Industrial Science and Technology (AIST), Tsukuba, Ibaraki 305-8568, Japan.
Inorganic Chemistry
|March 18, 2026
Summary
The solid solution Rh1-xPtxSb exhibits a structural phase transition and superconductivity, with a maximum critical temperature (Tc) of 4.25 K. This study reveals key factors influencing Tc in transition-metal monoantimonides.
Area of Science:
- Materials Science
- Condensed Matter Physics
- Solid-State Chemistry
Background:
- The study investigates the solid solution Rh1-xPtxSb, which bridges the MnP-type RhSb and NiAs-type PtSb structures.
- Understanding phase transitions and superconductivity in transition metal compounds is crucial for developing new materials.
Purpose of the Study:
- To systematically investigate the structural, electrical, and superconducting properties of the Rh1-xPtxSb solid solution.
- To determine the factors controlling the critical temperature (Tc) and understand its enhancement.
Main Methods:
- Synthesis and characterization of the Rh1-xPtxSb solid solution across a range of compositions (x).
- Temperature-dependent resistivity and specific heat measurements to identify phase transitions and superconducting properties.
- Analysis of electron-phonon coupling, Debye temperature (ΘD), and electronic density of states at the Fermi level (N(EF)).
Main Results:
- A temperature-induced structural phase transition from MnP-type to NiAs-type occurs near x ≈ 0.1, with significant resistivity hysteresis.
- Superconductivity emerges for x ≥ 0.2, reaching a maximum Tc of 4.25 K at x = 0.4, the highest reported for transition-metal monoantimonides.
- Rh1-xPtxSb is classified as a weak-coupling superconductor (λep ≈ 0.6).
- Both ΘD and N(EF) show a strong correlation with Tc, indicating their role in Tc enhancement.
- Comparison with high-entropy analogues revealed differences in ΘD and N(EF) that explain variations in Tc.
Conclusions:
- The Rh1-xPtxSb system exhibits a tunable structural phase transition and enhanced superconductivity.
- Debye temperature and electronic density of states are key parameters governing the superconducting critical temperature in this system.
- Understanding these structure-property relationships provides insights for designing novel superconducting materials.
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