Reversible superconductor-insulator transition in LiTi2O4 induced by Li-ion electrochemical reaction

Transition metal oxides display various electronic and magnetic phases such as high-temperature superconductivity. Controlling such exotic properties by applying an external field is one of the biggest continuous challenges in condensed matter physics. Here, we demonstrate clear superconductor-insul...

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Bibliographic Details
Published in:Scientific reports 2015-11, Vol.5 (1), p.16325-16325, Article 16325
Main Authors: Yoshimatsu, K., Niwa, M., Mashiko, H., Oshima, T., Ohtomo, A.
Format: Article
Language:English
Subjects:
639/301/119/1003
639/766/119/544
639/766/25
Crystal structure
Electrochemistry
High temperature
Humanities and Social Sciences
multidisciplinary
Oxidation
Oxides
Science
Temperature effects
Transition temperatures
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Summary:Transition metal oxides display various electronic and magnetic phases such as high-temperature superconductivity. Controlling such exotic properties by applying an external field is one of the biggest continuous challenges in condensed matter physics. Here, we demonstrate clear superconductor-insulator transition of LiTi 2 O 4 films induced by Li-ion electrochemical reaction. A compact electrochemical cell of pseudo-Li-ion battery structure is formed with a superconducting LiTi 2 O 4 film as an anode. Li content in the film is controlled by applying a constant redox voltage. An insulating state is achieved by Li-ion intercalation to the superconducting film by applying reduction potential. In contrast, the superconducting state is reproduced by applying oxidation potential to the Li-ion intercalated film. Moreover, superconducting transition temperature is also recovered after a number of cycles of Li-ion electrochemical reactions. This complete reversible transition originates in difference in potentials required for deintercalation of initially contained and electrochemically intercalated Li + ions.
ISSN:2045-2322
2045-2322
DOI:10.1038/srep16325