The Continuing Quest for High Tc –Superconductors: A Review
Tesfamichael Haile *
Department of Chemistry, College of Science, Eritrea Institute of Technology, Mei-Nefhi, P.O.Box 12676, Eritrea.
Arumugam Manohar
Department of Chemistry, College of Science, Eritrea Institute of Technology, Mei-Nefhi, P.O.Box 12676, Eritrea.
BerhaneYouhannes .
Department of Chemistry, College of Science, Eritrea Institute of Technology, Mei-Nefhi, P.O.Box 12676, Eritrea.
Beamlak Haile
Department of Chemistry, College of Science, Eritrea Institute of Technology, Mei-Nefhi, P.O.Box 12676, Eritrea.
Samuel Mhreteab
Department of Chemistry, College of Science, Eritrea Institute of Technology, Mei-Nefhi, P.O.Box 12676, Eritrea.
*Author to whom correspondence should be addressed.
Abstract
Superconductors, perhaps a mirage in the eyes of most chemists for many years, was pushed to the forefront of chemical interest with the synthesis and characterization of the first ‘’high - temperature’’ superconductor (Sr-doped La2CuO4 or 2-1-4) in 1986. The first superconductor with a Tc above the boiling point of liquid nitrogen (YBa2Cu3O7 which is often referred to as ‘’1-2-3’’ compound because of Y: Ba: Cu stoichiometry) was synthesized a year later. This was a time in which superconducting materials created unprecedented excitement in scientific community; it was a year in which the public was captivated by new vistas in technology. The title of the article reflects that there is a crave for superconducting materials. This paper attempts to elucidate the technological advantage of superconductors and reflects the notation that chemistry can have a positive impact upon our lives. Firstly, the historical background of superconductivity is presented then the theory of superconductivity and the description of physical and chemical principles upon which it rests is given. Finally, some prospects for the future applications of these new materials are discussed.
Keywords: High Tc superconductor, 1, 2, 3, compound, liquid nitrogen, Y: Ba: Cu, phonons