Repurposing deep-Earth tools in the hunt for practical superconductors
If scientists could find a material that acts as a superconductor—that is, one that transmits energy with zero resistance—at normal pressures and relatively high temperatures, it would open up a vast number of possibilities. These include medical imaging, quantum computing and numerous other fields. So, yes, it would be a big deal.
Scientists are exploring the potential of repurposing deep-Earth tools to develop practical superconductors. Superconductors, materials that transmit energy with zero resistance, could revolutionize fields like medical imaging, quantum computing, and more. However, finding a superconductor that operates under normal pressures and relatively high temperatures has been a significant challenge.
Currently, about 50% of energy transmission in copper wires is lost as heat. Researchers led by Lisa Pfefferle, a professor at Yale, are working on creating superconductors that can function at higher temperatures and lower pressures. They have focused on sulfur trihydride (H3S), a material with superconducting properties at high temperatures, but only under extreme pressures found deep within Earth's mantle.
To overcome this hurdle, the team has developed a technique to synthesize H3S at lower pressures, around 15 gigapascals, and maintain its stability after the pressure is released. They have also discovered a method to freeze its superconductivity properties with the help of graphene sheets, which apply pressure without the need for extreme conditions found deep within Earth.
This innovative approach could potentially make superconductors more practical for various applications, offering significant economic benefits similar to those of thermonuclear fusion.
Written by urgent.news from Phys.org's reporting — not their text. Machine-written — may contain errors; check the original before relying on it.
