Superconductivity Up To 200 Degrees Celsius

Posted: 8/31/2019

“The newly predicted superconductor, a compound of hydrogen, magnesium and lithium, ... must be squeezed to extremely high pressure, nearly 2.5 million times the pressure of Earth’s atmosphere” (S1; emphasis added)

Here is the abbreviated abstract of the research paper (S2; emphasis added):

“The recent theory-orientated discovery of record high-temperature superconductivity (Tc∼250K) in sodalite like clathrate LaH10 is an important advance toward room-temperature superconductors. Here, we identify an alternative clathrate structure in ternary Li2MgH16 with a remarkably high estimated Tc of ∼473K at 250 GPa, which may allow us to obtain room-temperature or even higher-temperature superconductivity. ... The extra electrons introduced break up the H2 molecules, increasing the amount of atomic hydrogen … which is necessary for stabilizing the clathrate structure or other high-Tc structures. Our results provide a viable strategy for tuning the superconductivity of hydrogen-rich hydrides by donating electrons to hydrides via metal doping. ...”

But keep in mind, this appears to be so far only a theoretically calculated, simulated kind of superconductor. Can a superconductor like this (hydrogen rich compound; high pressure; electron doping) ever be mass produced.

Sources (S):

1. A predicted superconductor might work at a record-breaking 200° Celsius The hydrogen-rich material would still need to be squeezed to extremely high pressures (8/30/19)
2. Route to a Superconducting Phase above Room Temperature in Electron-Doped Hydride Compounds under High Pressure (8/26/19)