Search for high T_c superconductors at ambient pressure

Room temperature superconductivity has been an elusive dream of many scientists. Hydride materials have been shown to exhibit record T_cs under extreme conditions, however lowering required pressures remains a grand challenge. Recent predictions for Mg₂IrH₆ suggest very high transition temperatures may be possible at ambient pressure (up to 160 K). In this work we discuss recent experimental progress in the synthesis of Mg₂IrH₆ and related materials, including Mg₂IrH₅, which is insulating yet isostructural with Mg₂IrH₆ expect for one missing hydrogen.

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