Material alarmed as a superconductor by researchers does not work, scientists confirm

After weeks of intense speculation and hope, a number of labs managed to recreate the modified lead apatite known as LK-99.

This development, fruit of the work of researchers south koreans, carried with it the promise of being a superconductor. Unfortunately, however, this expectation did not materialize.

Through a Twitter post from the Center for Condensed Matter Theory at the University of Maryland, USA, it was reported:

“It is with great regret that we have come to the conclusion that the game is over. LK-99 does not act as a superconductor, whether at ambient or extremely low temperatures.”

“It is configured as a material of high resistance, but of low quality. There are no more arguments. The data speaks for itself.”

Trajectory until here

• South Korean scientists developed the material called LK-99, with the promise of transmitting electricity without resistance, giving it the classification of superconductor;
• However, issues and inconsistencies soon emerged, with some researchers questioning its practical applicability;
• A Chinese team managed to successfully replicate the LK-99 and subject it to successful tests;
• However, to ratify its effectiveness under normal conditions, more tests were necessary;
• If this potential were to be confirmed, the discovery could be awarded a Nobel Prize in Physics, due to the impact it would have in several areas;
• To the disappointment of many, confirmation did not come this time. Three new studies concluded that LK-99 does not exhibit the desired properties.

Tip: to learn more about this material, see our article about the LK-99, published when he was still a very promising promise.

But what went wrong?

By recreating the material according to the original article, the laboratories found no traces of superconductivity, which was the purpose of this invention.

In fact, an increase in the electrical resistivity of the LK-99 crystal was identified as the temperature decreased, characterizing it almost as an “anti-superconductor”.

“Professor Susannah Speller from the Oxford Center for Applied Superconductivity explained:”

“When we are dealing with superconductors, the most notable feature is zero resistance. Upon cooling it, it should instantly lose this resistance, reaching zero when in a superconducting state.”

Despite the frustration caused by these developments, research in the field of superconductivity continues to progress, and the The hope is that, over the next decade, new materials with revolutionary properties may appear on the market.

The relentless quest for scientific advances continues and, even if the LK-99 has not won the title of superconductor, the doors remain open for new discoveries and innovations.