Scientists from the Siberian Federal University and the Krasnoyarsk Scientific Center at the Siberian Branch of the Russian Academy of Science synthesized copper oxide nanoparticles, which can be used to generate superconducting materials at room temperature.

An article focusing on the research of the magnetic properties of these particles was published in the September issue of the Journal of Superconductivity and Novel Magnetism.

One of the most important characteristics of the material used for power supply networks is its ability to carry an electric current. Each material has resistance, a property to disperse – and consequently to decelerate – electrons. However, in 1911, superconductor material which demonstrated zero resistance at the temperature of 4 K (minus 269.15 degrees Celsius) was discovered. Scientists continued their research and found many similar materials, but their practical application was difficult due to the need to maintain low temperature (from negative 273.14 to 253.15 degrees Celsius).

The discovery of material with zero resistance at higher temperatures of minus 196 degrees Celsius and up was a breakthrough in the field of superconductivity. High-temperature superconductors that become functional at zero degrees Celsius can be used for new generation power supply networks, as they allow for larger capacity. Also, the superconducting material would be suitable for building magnetic levitation trains.

Three years ago, the scientists at the Siberian Federal University and the Krasnoyarsk Scientific Center of the Siberian Branch of the Russian Academy of Science synthesized copper oxide nano-powder (chemical formula CuO2) with application in superconductors. In order to make the nano-powder, the researchers used a process called vacuum plasma arc evaporation that results in placing fine films in a vacuum by means of plasma discharge.

The copper oxide compound occurs in natural from, consisting of one atom of oxygen and one atom of copper. With the insertion of one more oxygen atom into the compound, the nanoparticles made from the resulting molecules acquire magnetic properties when exposed to magnetic fields of greater than three kilo Oersted (kOe). These properties are characteristic of superconductors. Researchers report that if the powder’s particles are combined into a uniform material, it will most likely become a superconductor at indoor temperatures and even above. Basic and applied research on current-carrying elements on the basis of high-temperature superconductors is now being pursued in the U.S., Japan, China, and the European Union countries. Despite significant progress in their creation, so far there has not been any practical application of the scientific results.

In the case of the nano-particles, “[w]e only needed to solidify the powdered nanoparticles from copper oxide. We will then obtain a new superconductor that will work at indoor temperatures,” said Anatoly Lepeshev, the head of the UNESCO scientific and educational center “New Materials and Technologies” based at the Siberian Federal University. “It is very much possible to reduce the costs of superconductor production, to increase the reliability and the service life of superconductors, as well as to create power supply systems with qualitatively new characteristics required in the power industry of the XXI century,” the scientist added.

The environmental friendliness of electric superconductor equipment is another advantage of the material once it enters mass production. Increased current density will lead to the development of highly effective electrical equipment, Mr. Lepeshev believes.