In a remarkable advancement for superconductivity research, Professor Ariando and Dr. Stephen Lin Er Chow from the National University of Singapore (NUS) have officially announced their creation of a revolutionary copper-free superconducting oxide. This new material can achieve superconductivity at approximately 40 Kelvin (K) or about -233 degrees Celsius (°C) under normal atmospheric pressure. This finding not only reaffirms Singapore’s position as a leader in high-temperature superconductivity but also expands the realm of possibilities beyond traditional copper oxide superconductors.

The Promise of Superconductors: A Game-Changer for Electronics

Superconductors are materials that can conduct electricity without resistance, making them essential for reducing energy loss in modern electronics. Despite thousands of superconducting materials being discovered, many only operate at extremely low temperatures close to absolute zero (0 K or -273 °C), limiting their practical application in everyday technology. This new discovery makes significant strides towards creating superconductors that can function effectively at higher temperatures and under standard conditions.

A Legacy of Superconductivity Understanding

The journey to these advancements follows nearly four decades after the groundbreaking discovery of copper oxide superconductors by physicists Johannes Bednorz and Karl Müller, which won them the Nobel Prize in Physics in 1987. Their work introduced a new class of superconductors exhibiting higher operational temperatures, fundamentally changing superconductivity research. However, the reliance on copper has constrained progress.

A Major Breakthrough with (Sm-Eu-Ca)NiO₂

In their pioneering research, Prof. Ariando and Dr. Chow discovered that interlayer interactions in layered systems significantly influence superconducting temperatures. Utilizing this insight, they developed a model that predicted several high-temperature superconducting compounds capable of functioning without copper.

One such compound, synthesized by the researchers, is (Sm-Eu-Ca)NiO₂ nickel oxide. Remarkably, this material demonstrated zero electrical resistance at temperatures exceeding 30 K or about -243 °C, underscoring the potential of alternative materials for superconductivity.

Implications for the Future of Superconductivity

“This non-copper-based superconducting oxide not only demonstrates high-temperature superconductivity but does so without the need for additional compression—just like copper oxides,” Dr. Chow states. This revelation implies that high-temperature superconductivity may be common across various elements in the periodic table, paving the way for a new era in material sciences.

Both researchers echo the sentiment that these findings have vast implications for theoretical frameworks and practical applications, especially in the electronics and energy sectors. They believe that with ongoing exploration, including studies on electronic occupancy and hydrostatic pressure, the team could unlock even higher superconducting temperatures and broader families of superconductors.

The Road Ahead

This revolutionary finding was documented in the esteemed journal *Nature* on March 20, 2025, and has garnered significant global interest. As further research unfolds, the potential for next-generation superconducting materials with application-ready capabilities in energy-efficient technologies becomes increasingly tangible.

Conclusion

The implications of this discovery could reshape the future landscape of electronics, allowing for more efficient energy use and the development of cutting-edge technologies. The team at NUS continues its commitment to unravel the complexities of superconductivity, aiming to provide a more sustainable future powered by these extraordinary materials. Stay tuned for what’s next in the world of superconductivity!