Superconductivity and phase stability of potassium-doped biphenyl

Abstract

Phenyl molecules are proposed as potential high-temperature superconductors due to exhibiting interesting properties. Here, we report the discovery of superconductivity with the critical temperature (Tc) of ∼7.2 Kelvin in potassium (K)-doped biphenyl (C12H10). The dc magnetic susceptibility measurements provide solid evidence for the presence of the Meissner effect in KxC12H10. The Raman spectra detected bipolaronic characteristics in this superconducting state, which are proposed to account for the electron pairing. Theoretical simulations provided the information of the crystal structure of KxC12H10. Combining XRD data with formation energy, we suggest that the superconducting phase corresponds to K2C12H10 or with a small charge fluctuation in a layered structure. The discovery of superconductivity in K-doped biphenyl vastly expands the potential applications in the superconducting field.

Superconductivity of light‐metal hydrides

“…Based on BCS theory, we can improve the T c by combining the light metal with light‐element hydrides. The mechanism of charge transfer driving the metallization has been proven to be feasible in organic superconductors…”

Single-layer polymeric tetraoxa[8]circulene modified by s-block metals: toward stable spin qubits and novel superconductors

“…To expand this behaviour, graphene-based superconducting fibers have been produced and intercalated with Ca, which led to a superconducting transition at ∼11 K. 25 Besides, superconductivity has also been found in carbon materials doped with alkaline metals such as Li, Na and K. 22,[26][27][28][29][30] Recently, some hydrocarbons doped with alkali metals demonstrated superconducting behaviour with critical temperatures similar to or higher than that of graphite and graphene. [31][32][33][34][35] In particular, superconductivity up to 33 K was discovered in K-doped dibenzopentacene (C 30 H 18 ). 36 Despite the significant interest in carbon and hydrocarbon based superconductors, only a couple of reports can be found on similar properties in coordination polymers, 37,38 which also represent a remarkable part of modern 2D science.…”

Compensated Ferrimagnetism and Half‐Metallic Behavior in Potassium (K) Intercalated Naphthalene

“…[21][22][23] K x -coronene with x ranging from 2.5 to 3.5 exhibits superconductivity at 3.5, 7, 11, and 15 K. [21] Interestingly, compounds such as 1,2:8,9-dibenzopentacene and p-terphenyl show superconductivity at much higher T c upon intercalation of potassium. [24,25] A transition temperature of 33 K has been observed for potassium-doped 1,2:8,9-dibenzopentacene, whereas p-terphenyl shows superconductivity at varied temperatures, such as 7, 42, and 123 K. [26][27][28] However, potassium-doped biphenyl shows superconductivity at a much reduced temperature 7.2 K. [29] The observation of a higher transition temperature in these compounds has generated lots of interest to explore the control parameters behind this phenomenon. Although a few studies claim electron-phonon coupling as the origin of the superconductivity, a detailed understanding is still lacking.…”