The achievement of high superconducting critical properties, such as high critical current density (Jc), in high-entropy alloy superconductors (HEAS) is crucial to various technological applications. Korean researchers at Sungkyunkwan University, Kyung Hee University, and KAERI report the synthesis of high-entropy alloy superconducting thin films with a high Jc and their self-healing effect under extreme irradiation environments. The study appears in the journal Nature Communications in June. 

A superconductor is a material that allows electricity to flow without electric power loss because of its zero electrical resistance. High-entropy alloys have been considered as novel high-performance materials that can be used in extreme environments owing to their excellent mechanical, physical and chemical properties. However, lack of excellent Jc in previously reported HEAS has hampered their usage for practical applications.

In the article, the researchers reported successful fabrication of the high-quality high-entropy alloy superconducting thin films with the world's best Jc among the known HEAS, which significantly exceeds the critical value of Jc for practical application. In addition, they discovered that HEAS have excellent resistance to irradiation damage and are capable of self-healing under extreme environments.

Professor Park said, “We demonstrated the possibility of technological applications of high-entropy alloy superconductors (HEAS) and established the original technology for manufacturing high-quality high-entropy alloy superconducting thin films.” “The HEAS is expected to serve as a new superconducting material that can operate in extreme environments such as aerospace and nuclear fusion reactors.” Prof. Park said.

[Reference] Soon-Gil Jung, Yoonseok Han, Jin Hee Kim, Rahmatul Hidayati, Jong-Soo Rhyee, Jung Min Lee, Won Nam Kang, Woo Seok Choi, Hye-Ran Jeon, Jaekwon Suk, Tuson Park, High critical current density and high-tolerance superconductivity in high-entropy alloy thin films, Nature Communications (2022) [NATURE PORTFOLIO], https://doi.org/10.1038/s41467-022-30912-5.

[Main Author]  Soon-Gil Jung (Sungkyunkwan University), Tuson Park (Sungkyunkwan University) 

* Contact : Doctor Soon-Gil Jung(prosgjung@gmail.com) & Professor Tuson Park(tp8701@skku.edu)