May 6, 2024

Shattered Dreams: Scientists Debunk LK-99 Room Temperature Superconductivity Myth

A study from the CAS Institute of Physics has actually exposed the claims of superconductivity in LK-99, a compound previously believed to exhibit superconductivity at ambient pressure. The research study found that the substances observed properties were due to the first-order structural shift of Cu2S pollutants, not superconductivity. As reported by Nature News, claims about the expected superconductivity of LK-99 ended up being a viral experience, triggering various duplication efforts by beginners and scientists alike. Several groups have actually tried to replicate the outcomes, however none have provided direct proof of superconductivity.

As reported by Nature News, claims about the expected superconductivity of LK-99 became a viral sensation, prompting many duplication efforts by novices and researchers alike. Several groups have actually tried to replicate the outcomes, but none have actually supplied direct proof of superconductivity. The most perplexing concern is what triggers the sharp drop in resistivity and why it takes place just in a couple of samples.
Temperature reliance of resistivity of Cu2S, LK-99 including Cu2S. Credit: Institute of Physics
Examination and Conclusion
In this research study, the researchers observed that the LK-99 generated by Lee et al. included a certain amount of Cu2S pollutant, which undergoes a structural stage transition from a hexagonal structure at heat to a monoclinic structure at low temperature level around 400 K. They found that the resistivity of Cu2S reduced by 3 to four orders of magnitude around 385 K, close to the shift temperature level reported in recommendations.
In addition, they determined the resistivity of the mixture of LK-99 and Cu2S, determining a sharp resistivity shift at the temperature consistent with the reported findings but without no resistance.
It is very important to note that this first-order structural transition differs substantially from the second-order superconducting shift. The scientists observed thermal hysteresis behavior in the resistivity and magnetic vulnerability measurements, verifying that it is a first-order transition and can not be a second-order superconducting transition.
Reference: “First-order transition in LK-99 consisting of Cu2S” by Shilin Zhu, Wei Wu, Zheng Li and Jianlin Luo, 24 November 2023, Matter.DOI: 10.1016/ j.matt.2023.11.001.
This study was supported by the National Natural Science Foundation of China, the Ministry of Science and Technology of China, and CAS.

A study from the CAS Institute of Physics has actually unmasked the claims of superconductivity in LK-99, a substance earlier thought to show superconductivity at ambient pressure. The research found that the compounds observed properties were due to the first-order structural transition of Cu2S pollutants, not superconductivity. This conclusion deals with the confusion sparked by earlier claims that had actually caused a viral experience amongst scientists and the general public.
New research has actually disproved the superconductivity claims of LK-99, showing that its homes arise from the structural transition of Cu2S impurities, not superconductivity.
In a research study published in Matter, researchers led by Prof. Jianlin Luo from the Institute of Physics of the Chinese Academy of Sciences (CAS) have observed that Pb10-xCux( PO4) 6O (0.9<< x<< 1.1), known as LK-99, stems from the first-order structural transition of the pollutant phase of cuprous sulfide (Cu2S), providing solid proof that LK99 is non-superconducting and thus negating such superconductivity claims. Superconductivity Claims and Viral Sensation Sukbae Lee and coworkers from South Korea earlier asserted that LK-99 acts as a superconductor at ambient pressure, with an important temperature (Tc) as much as 127 ° C (400 K). The groundbreaking news excited scientists in addition to individuals on social media due to its potential effect on innovation.