Groundbreaking Copper-Free Material Breaks Superconductivity Limits

In an exciting development from the National University of Singapore (NUS), Professor Ariando and Dr. Stephen Lin Er Chow have successfully designed and synthesized a revolutionary copper-free superconducting oxide. This remarkable material can achieve superconductivity at approximately 40 Kelvin (around -233 degrees Celsius) under normal atmospheric pressure, marking a significant milestone in high-temperature superconductivity research.

For nearly 40 years, the scientific community has been captivated by copper oxide superconductors, which garnered the 1987 Nobel Prize in Physics. While earlier work established these copper-based materials as frontrunners, the NUS team is now expanding the horizons of superconductivity to include new compositions that don't rely on copper. This discovery rewrites parts of the existing narrative surrounding high-temperature superconductivity, suggesting that various elements from the periodic table may also exhibit this fascinating property.

Superconductors are known for their extraordinary ability to conduct electricity without resistance, thus eliminating energy loss during electrical transmission. This quintessential characteristic makes them ideal candidates for modern electronic applications, especially at a time when energy efficiency is crucial for tackling global energy challenges.

Historically, superconductors have required extremely low temperatures close to absolute zero, making them impractical for widespread application. The breakthrough by physicists Johannes Bednorz and Karl Müller introduced us to copper oxides, which operate at temperatures above 30 K. However, these materials have remained largely unchallenged—until now.

The innovative research conducted by Ariando and Chow reveals that the interactions between layers in newly studied systems correlate directly with higher superconducting temperatures. In their quest for alternative superconductors, they successfully synthesized (Sm-Eu-Ca)NiO₂, a nickel oxide they predicted would showcase superconductivity. Remarkably, upon testing, this compound showcased zero electrical resistance at temperatures well over 30 K, similar to its copper-based counterparts, yet without the need for any additional pressure.

Dr. Chow noted, "Our findings point towards the fact that high-temperature superconductivity is not a unique trait of copper but might be a characteristic that can be found in a wider array of material compositions."

The implications of this discovery are profound. Not only does it open the door to potential new classes of superconducting materials, but it also enhances the theoretical understanding of how superconductivity can manifest in various configurations. The team's publication in the prestigious journal *Nature* on March 20, 2025, has attracted significant attention from researchers and industry professionals alike.

Prof. Ariando emphasizes the significance of finding a copper-free high-temperature superconducting oxide: "This is the first such discovery under ambient pressure since the prize-winning research in the 80s. Importantly, the stability of this new material under normal conditions boosts its applicability."

Looking ahead, the NUS research team is committed to further investigations into this material's properties, including exploring the effects of electronic occupancy and hydrostatic pressure on its superconducting capabilities. Their goal is to unlock even higher operating temperatures and expand the family of usable superconducting materials.

A vital contributor to this research is Mr. Zhaoyang Luo, a PhD student at NUS, who utilized electron microscopy to showcase the high crystallinity and purity of the synthesized material. His work, alongside that of Ariando and Chow, represents a forward leap towards the future of superconductors, promising practical applications in fields such as modern electronics, energy-efficient technologies, and beyond.

This breakthrough could reshape the landscape of materials used in cutting-edge technology, making energy losses a thing of the past. Will this discovery lead to a superconducting revolution? Only time will tell.