钪：迈进30K温区的首个元素超导体

（Superconductivity above 30K Achieved in Dense Scandium）

X. He, C. L. Zhang, Z. W. Li, S. J. Zhang, S. M. Feng, J. F. Zhao, K. Lu, B. S. Min, Y. Peng, X. C. Wang, J. Song, L. H. Wang, S. I. Kawaguchi, C. Ji, B. Li, H. Z. Liu, J. S. Tse, and C. Q. Jin

Chin. Phys. Lett. 40, 107403(2023) (Express Letter)

Highlights: CPL Express Letter, 中科院物理所(IOP) and Physics World

Superconductivity is one of most intriguing quantum phenomena, and the quest for elemental superconductors with high critical temperature (Tc) is of great scientific significance due to their relatively simple material composition and the underlying mechanism. Here we report the experimental discovery of densely compressed scandium (Sc) becoming the first elemental superconductor with Tc breaking into 30 K range, which is comparable to the Tc values of the classic La–Ba–Cu–O or LaFeAsO superconductors. Our results show that Tc(onset) of Sc increases from ～ 3 K at around 43 GPa to ～ 32 K at about 283 GPa (Tc(zero) ～ 31 K), which is well above liquid neon temperature. Interestingly, measured Tc shows no sign of saturation up to the maximum pressure achieved in our experiments, indicating that Tc may be even higher upon further compression.