The previous record for superconductivity in boron-doped diamond was 11 Kelvin, or minus 439.60 degrees Fahrenheit.
Superconductors can handle much higher currents per square centimeter and lose virtually no energy through transmission.
Identifying ways to achieve superconductivity at higher temperatures – without applying high pressure – is an active area of materials research.
To make the boron-doped Q-carbon, the researchers coat a substrate with a mixture of amorphous carbon and boron.
That higher concentration of boron is what gives the material its superconductivity characteristics at a higher temperature.
The superconductivity in Q-carbon has special significance for practical applications, as it is transparent, super hard and tough, biocompatible, erosion and corrosion resistant.
Since we have demonstrated superconductivity at 57K, this means the doped Q-carbon is already viable for applications. »
