The interplay among superconductivity, magnetism, and nontrivial band topology represents one of the most compelling frontiers in condensed matter physics. The exploration of novel superconductivity in $3d$ transition-metal compounds, particularly the rare Cr-based systems containing strongly magnetic Cr ions, has long attracted attention owing to their unconventional pairing mechanisms that challenge conventional wisdom. Yet, Cr-based superconductors remain scarce, especially those possessing nontrivial topological character, underscoring the urgent need to uncover new members. Here we report the observation of superconductivity in the pressure-amorphized Cr-based topological insulator $\mathrm{Cr}{\mathrm{P}}_4$. Upon compression, $\mathrm{Cr}{\mathrm{P}}_4$ undergoes an anomalous quantum phase transition from a metallic to a semiconductinglike state at around 15 GPa, driven by significant changes in the electronic structure. At approximately 70 GPa, re-metallization with superconductivity occurs alongside an irreversible amorphization. The superconducting transition temperature $T_{\mathrm{c}}$ increases monotonically with pressure, reaching 4.8 K at 141.3 GPa. Furthermore, theoretical calculations predict multiple topological phase transitions from a strong topological insulator to a trivial state and finally back to a strong topological state under pressure. Our study not only establishes $\mathrm{Cr}{\mathrm{P}}_4$ as the first Cr-based amorphous superconductor but also opens a new paradigm for exploring superconducting and topological properties in amorphous materials.

Close

PrevNext

View figure in article

• Pressure effects
• Superconductivity
• Superconductors
• Pressure techniques