A colorful, funny election campaign in Arizona
Thursday, October 01, 2026
Scandium's electrons may explain predicted room-temperature superconductivity
Good news!
"Scientists have confirmed the existence of a predicted room temperature superconductor, while explaining the microscopic mechanism that distinguishes it from a similar one discovered several years ago. The work, published in the journal Physical Review B, offers "a theoretical blueprint for the future design of superior superconductor hydrides" ...
These metal clathrate superhydrides have unit cells—the smallest repeatable unit—made up of metallic elements surrounded by a "cage" of hydrogen ions. (The structure of LaSc2H24 has fully enclosed lanthanum in a cage of 30 hydrogen atoms and partially enclosed scandium atoms in cages of 24 hydrogen ions.)
Hydrogen atoms occupy three inequivalent sites forming these anisotropic layers, creating structurally different properties between the two different layers. The material's anisotropy opens two different superconductivity channels, each having a different value for the critical temperature. ..."
From the abstract:
"The discovery of LaSc2H24 represents an advance in the quest for room-temperature superconductivity, yet the microscopic mechanism underlying its high-temperature superconductivity remains unclear.
Through a comprehensive revisit of theoretical analysis, we uncover a pivotal transition from the anisotropic two-gap superconductivity of LaH10 to an isotropic single-gap superconductivity in LaSc2H24 upon the introduction of scandium, thereby enhancing the superconducting critical temperature (𝑇c).
This enhancement is rooted in a critical dual role of Sc 3đť‘‘ electrons:
(i) the Sc-derived Jahn-Teller effect promotes hydrogen metallization via the elongation of specific interlayer H-H bonds and enhances electron-phonon coupling (EPC) through the softening of associated phonon modes;
(ii) Sc 3𝑑 electrons reconstruct the electronic structure into an MgB2-like configuration, generating Sc-H-Sc 𝜎- and 𝛿-bonding states with EPC strengths comparable to LaH10.
(i) the Sc-derived Jahn-Teller effect promotes hydrogen metallization via the elongation of specific interlayer H-H bonds and enhances electron-phonon coupling (EPC) through the softening of associated phonon modes;
(ii) Sc 3𝑑 electrons reconstruct the electronic structure into an MgB2-like configuration, generating Sc-H-Sc 𝜎- and 𝛿-bonding states with EPC strengths comparable to LaH10.
Crucially, the pronounced orbital overlap between Sc and the hydrogen cages effectively unifies these two contributions on the Fermi surface. This Sc-induced gap unification bridges the high-EPC H-H states with widespread Sc-H states, establishing an isotropic single-gap nature with a large overall EPC strength.
Our findings identify this Sc-induced gap unification as the fundamental mechanism for achieving room-temperature superconductivity in LaSc2H24, offering a theoretical blueprint for the future design of superior superconducting hydrides."
Isotropic superconductivity in the room-temperature superconductor LaSc2H24 (no public access)
Isotropic Superconductivity in Room-temperature Superconductor LaSc (preprint, open access)
China funding UK research and sending it to Beijing's spies, MI5 warns
Bad news!
"More than 100 academics linked to British institutions have unwittingly assisted China's espionage operations against the UK via a front company working for its intelligence and security services, MI5 has warned.
In the highly unusual public alert, the UK's internal security service warned universities and academics that continuing ties with China General Technology Research Institute (CGTRI) could ultimately lead to criminal charges for aiding a foreign state.
Security minister Dan Jarvis said MI5's warning exposed attempts by Chinese intelligence agencies to use British academic research to undermine UK national security. ..."
Federal employment payroll shrinks to a 60-year low under President Trump
Good news! Bravo! Trim the fat!
"The federal workforce has fallen to its lowest level in roughly six decades following a sweeping reduction in government payrolls during President Trump’s second term.
Federal employment now stands at about 2.7 million workers, according to Bureau of Labor Statistics data, down more than 300,000 since Trump returned to the White House in January 2025. ..."
BMW built the same car for gas and electric. The EV is $4,400 cheaper
I suspect this is not much more than a marketing gimmick!
However, should batteries become cheaper ...
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)