Disorder-broadened phase boundary with enhancedamorphous superconductivity in pressurized In2Te5

Journal article

As an empirical tool in materials science and engineering, the iconic phase diagram owes its robustness and practicality to the topological characteristics rooted in the celebrated Gibbs phase law free variables (F) = components (C) – phases (P) + 2. When crossing the phase diagram boundary, the structure transition occurs abruptly, bringing about an instantaneous change in physical properties and limited controllability on the boundaries (F = 1). Here, the sharp phase boundary is expanded to an amorphous transition region (F = 2) by partially disrupting the long-range translational symmetry, leading to a sequential crystalline–amorphous–crystalline (CAC) transition in a pressurized In2Te5 single crystal. Through detailed in situ synchrotron diffraction, it is elucidated that the phase transition stems from the rotation of immobile blocks [In2Te2]2+, linked by hinge-like [Te3]2− trimers. Remarkably, within the amorphous region, the amorphous phase demonstrates a notable 25% increase of the superconducting transition temperature (Tc), while the carrier concentration remains relatively constant. Furthermore, a theoretical framework is proposed revealing that the unconventional boost in amorphous superconductivity might be attributed to an intensified electron correlation, triggered by a disorder-augmented multifractal behavior. These findings underscore the potential of disorder and prompt further exploration of unforeseen phenomena on the phase boundaries.

Authors: Zhao, Y; Ying, T; Zhao, L; Chen, Y

• Publication status: Published
• Peer review status: Peer reviewed
• Publisher: Wiley
• Journal: Advanced Materials
• Volume: 36
• Issue: 27
• Article number: 2401118
• Publication date: 2024-04-29
• Acceptance date: 2024-03-20
• DOI: 10.1002/adma.202401118
• EISSN: 1521-4095
• ISSN: 0935-9648
• Language: English
• Keywords: FFR; amorphization and recrystallization; superconductivity enhancement; high pressure; phase boundaries