Graphene, a monolayer carbon structure, has long been touted for its promising features, including superconductivity under specific conditions. Researchers at Northeaster and Harvard have teamed up to unravel the mystery of graphene’s superconducting properties.
Recent experiments with very cold stacks of graphene have shown that it can superconductor when placed at precise angles. However, the exact mechanism behind this phenomenon remains unclear. The researchers aimed to fill this knowledge gap by exploring the potential of quantum geometry in understanding graphene’s behavior.
By creating two-ply pieces of multi-layer graphene and utilizing specialized techniques, an international team discovered that quantum geometry plays a significant role in how graphene superconductors resist changes in current flow. This breakthrough suggests that these materials exhibit more stable superconductivity compared to conventional superconductors.
Two separate research papers were published, one focusing on two-ply graphene and the other examining the behavior of three-layer graphene. The findings reveal that adding another layer enhances the material’s properties, making it behave more like a family of higher-temperature superconductors.
The quest for room-temperature superconductor technology remains an elusive goal. Nevertheless, these breakthroughs demonstrate the potential of graphene in advancing practical superconductor technology.
Comments:
Anisotropic crystal structures are not unique, but superconducting ones are rare. Resonant quartz crystals have been widely recognized as popular anisotropic materials in osc applications.
Source: https://hackaday.com/2025/02/07/whod-have-guessed-graphene-is-strange