Understanding Superconducting Materials: Bonds, Electronic Structure, and Possibly Improving Tc.

Charlista: Francisco Muñoz, Facultad de Ciencias, U. de Chile

Resumen: In this talk, we will review some of my group's last research on superconducting materials, by combining density functional theory, simple models, and basic concepts. We will start explaining the mechanism behind the superconductivity of MgB2, the BCS superconductor holding the record critical temperature (Tc) at room pressure. We will expand it to predict a new, related 2D material with an even higher Tc. Next, we will explain, why YB6 is a superconductor while the very similar material LaB6 is not, based on textbook aspects of their electronic structure. Finally, we will review the evidence about LK-99, a purported room-temperature and room-pressure superconductor.