A first-principles prediction of two-dimensional superconductivity in pristine B₂C single layers

Nanoscale. 2012 May 21;4(10):3032-5. doi: 10.1039/c2nr12018f. Epub 2012 Apr 5.

Abstract

Based on first-principles lattice dynamics and electron-phonon coupling calculations, B(2)C sheets are predicted to be a two-dimensional (2D) phonon-mediated superconductors with a relatively high transition temperature (T(c)). The electron-phonon coupling parameter was calculated to be 0.92 and it is mainly contributed by low frequency out-of-plane phonon modes and electronic states with a π character. When the Coulomb pseudopotential, μ*, is set to 0.10, the estimated temperature, T(c), is 19.2 K. To the best of our knowledge, B(2)C is the first pristine 2D superconductor with a T(c) higher than the boiling point of liquid helium.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't