- #1
kmp
- 14
- 0
how can we achieve superconductivity in fullerenes?
Fullerenes are a type of molecule composed entirely of carbon atoms arranged in a hollow sphere or tube. They were first discovered in 1985 and have since been studied for their unique electronic and physical properties. In 1991, it was found that certain fullerenes, specifically C60 buckminsterfullerene, exhibit superconductivity at low temperatures when doped with alkali metals.
Traditional superconductors require very low temperatures, often near absolute zero, to exhibit superconductivity. However, fullerenes can exhibit superconductivity at much higher temperatures, known as high-temperature superconductors. This makes them more practical for use in various applications.
Superconductivity in fullerenes has potential applications in various fields such as energy storage, power transmission, and medical imaging. The high-temperature superconductivity of fullerenes makes them more practical for use in these applications compared to traditional superconductors.
The exact mechanism of superconductivity in fullerenes is still not fully understood. However, it is believed that the unique electronic structure of fullerenes, with its highly symmetrical arrangement of carbon atoms, allows for efficient electron pairing and thus superconductivity at higher temperatures.
One of the main challenges in utilizing superconductivity in fullerenes is the difficulty in creating high-quality, pure samples of doped fullerenes. This can affect the reproducibility of results and hinder the development of practical applications. Additionally, the cost of producing and handling fullerenes can be a limiting factor for their widespread use in commercial applications.