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Multiple Superconducting Phases in m-TaS3 under Extreme Compression
Xindeng Lv1, Zhenfang Xing2,3, Si Wu1
1Institute of High-Pressure Physics, School of Physical Science and Technology, Ningbo University, Ningbo 315211, People's Republic of China.
Journal of the American Chemical Society
|May 28, 2026
Summary
Monoclinic tantalum trisulfide (m-TaS3) exhibits pressure-induced superconductivity up to 17.4 K. This record transition temperature is linked to a structural transformation enhancing electron-phonon coupling in high-pressure phases.
Area of Science:
- Condensed Matter Physics
- Materials Science
- Superconductivity
Background:
- Quasi-one-dimensional transition metal trichalcogenides (TMTCs) are promising for studying superconductivity under extreme conditions.
- Reported superconducting transition temperatures (Tc) in TMTCs are typically below 10 K.
- Monoclinic TaS3 (m-TaS3) was theoretically predicted to exhibit pressure-induced superconductivity.
Purpose of the Study:
- To construct the complete superconducting phase diagram of m-TaS3 under high pressure.
- To investigate the mechanism behind pressure-induced superconductivity in m-TaS3.
- To explore superconductivity in low-dimensional systems.
Main Methods:
- In situ high-pressure transport measurements.
- Synchrotron X-ray diffraction (XRD) measurements.
- Construction of the superconducting phase diagram over a broad pressure range (5.7–210 GPa).
Main Results:
- Three distinct superconducting regions were identified in m-TaS3.
- A record superconducting transition temperature (Tc) of 17.4 K was observed in the high-pressure P21/m (HP-P21/m) phase.
- An isosymmetric transformation near 88.5 GPa was associated with superconductivity enhancement.
Conclusions:
- The elevated Tc in the HP-P21/m phase is attributed to structural reconfiguration and enhanced electron-phonon coupling.
- The structural transformation flattens the TaS6 triangular prism, promoting uniformity and d-p orbital hybridization.
- Findings provide insights into the electronic behavior of TMTCs under extreme conditions and a framework for exploring superconductivity in low-dimensional materials.
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