A Search for Novel Superconductors: A Study of the Lithium-Boron System

ORAL

Abstract

A rapid solid-state reaction was used to synthesize a class of novel lithium-boron based ceramics. The resulting multiphase ceramic materials were investigated by XRD, electron microscopy (SEM) and EDAX. Efforts were taken to avoid contamination by magnesium diboride; MgB$_{2}$ was not detectable by XRD or EDAX. A number of the samples were electrically conducting and some were found to be superconducting in the 30-40 K range. Superconducting transitions were confirmed by SQUID magnetometry. Efforts are in progress to identify and isolate the superconducting phase. Influence of preparation on the electrical conductivity and superconductivity will be reported.

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Authors

  • Michael Bleiweiss

    • Naval Academy Preparatory School, Newport, RI

  • Jafar Amirzadeh

    • Morris College, Sumter, SC

  • Ming Yin

    • Benedict College, Columbia, SC

  • Douglas Kirven

    • Sigma-K Corp, Durham, NC

  • Ed Sharp

  • Timir Datta

    • University of South Carolina, Columbia, SC