Superconductivity in pure hafnium kagome electride under high pressure
Phys. Rev. B 112, 224506 – Published 3 December, 2025
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1103/gbrd-kp9f
Abstract
Superconductivity in pure under high pressures was investigated using density functional theory (DFT) combined with the Migdal-Eliashberg theory. The results indicate that interstitial anionic electrons (IAE) in pure exhibit both kagome and hexagonal electride structures, with interstitial electrons distributed across two distinct crystal planes. The results also show that spin-orbit coupling significantly modifies the conduction electronic band-structure, inducing a Van-Hove singularity at the Fermi level, which enhances the superconducting critical temperature from approximately to at . In addition, interstitial electrons in the valence band at the Fermi level also contribute to superconductivity. These values agree well with previously reported experimental results. Furthermore, we demonstrate that crystal planes hosting anionic interstitial electrons exhibit anisotropy and low work function of along the [001] direction, consistent with the characteristics of electride materials.