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Isotropic superconductivity in the room-temperature superconductor
Phys. Rev. B 114, 154501 – Published 1 September, 2026
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1103/3b4x-77yq
Abstract
The discovery of represents an advance in the quest for room-temperature superconductivity, yet the microscopic mechanism underlying its high-temperature superconductivity remains unclear. Through a comprehensive revisit of theoretical analysis, we uncover a pivotal transition from the anisotropic two-gap superconductivity of to an isotropic single-gap superconductivity in upon the introduction of scandium, thereby enhancing the superconducting critical temperature . This enhancement is rooted in a critical dual role of Sc electrons: (i) the Sc-derived Jahn-Teller effect promotes hydrogen metallization via the elongation of specific interlayer H-H bonds and enhances electron-phonon coupling (EPC) through the softening of associated phonon modes; (ii) Sc electrons reconstruct the electronic structure into an -like configuration, generating Sc-H-Sc - and -bonding states with EPC strengths comparable to . Crucially, the pronounced orbital overlap between Sc and the hydrogen cages effectively unifies these two contributions on the Fermi surface. This Sc-induced gap unification bridges the high-EPC H-H states with widespread Sc-H states, establishing an isotropic single-gap nature with a large overall EPC strength. Our findings identify this Sc-induced gap unification as the fundamental mechanism for achieving room-temperature superconductivity in , offering a theoretical blueprint for the future design of superior superconducting hydrides.
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synopsis
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