Explainer: What’s so electric about room-temperature superconductivity? Here’s how it could change our world
- After scientists in South Korea claimed to have created first room-temperature superconductor, LK-99, other researchers worldwide have been vying to replicate it
- We talk to a professor of physics about why this technology is causing such a ruckus and whether it is really worth all the hype
Superconductors are materials that do not have electrical resistance and expel magnetic fields. Photo: ShutterstockWhen a team of scientists in South Korea published a paper last month claiming to have created the first room-temperature superconductor, the announcement caused more than a few heads to turn.
That’s because this technology has the potential to change our world. If these researchers’ claims are true, their discovery could unlock high-speed, clean-energy transport and power grids that deliver electricity without energy loss.
But even as superconductor stock prices soared in the weeks after the paper’s publishing, not everyone is convinced that this room-temperature superconductor called LK-99 is real.
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The site that the paper was published on isn’t peer-reviewed. Many scientists do not believe the video from the South Korean scientists provides sufficient proof of the room-temperature superconductor.
As laboratories around the world vie to replicate it, some research groups have already declared that LK-99 is not a superconductor.
Here’s what you need to know about this sensational technology and how it might affect our world.
What is conductivity?
To discuss superconductivity, let’s take a step back and talk about its more common counterpart: conductivity.
Conductivity measures a material’s ability to transmit energy, such as heat or electricity. This material is called a conductor. If the material is a good conductor, that means it can transmit more heat or electricity within a timeframe.
For instance, copper is a much better conductor than wood which does not transmit it at all.
But the conductors we use today lose energy because of electrical resistance.
When electric currents flow through a conductor, the electrons collide with atoms in the conducting material, causing resistance and creating heat. This heat released into the surroundings is how energy is lost.
If we could solve this energy loss problem, we could greatly make our energy less wasteful, reduce energy costs, and contribute to a more eco-friendly world.
How does superconductivity work?
As the name suggests, superconductivity refers to the superior ability of a material to conduct electricity without energy loss. These materials also expel magnetic fields when they transition into the superconducting state, which is what gives them the appearance of floating in the air.
But superconductivity typically requires strict conditions. Most materials can only transition into superconductivity at a very low temperature called critical temperature, or transitional temperature, which is hard to maintain in an everyday environment.
Discovered more than a century ago, superconductivity is a hot topic in the physics world. Known superconductors include aluminium and niobium, but these usually require very low temperatures to become superconductive.
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One of the most well-known applications of superconductivity is in magnetic resonance imaging (MRI).
MRI scans are used to detect our body’s internal structures like nerves, muscles and the brain. For example, if a patient has a tumour, an MRI can help locate it. MRI machines rely heavily on superconductivity to generate high-strength magnetic fields and produce detailed images of the body.
Physicists also use superconductors to conduct research. These materials play a crucial role in building particle accelerators, which are vital tools for studying atoms, molecules and the forces in our universe.
Why would a room-temperature superconductor be useful?
If the room-temperature superconductor is verified, there are wider applications.
Dr Yufan Li, an assistant professor of physics at the Chinese University of Hong Kong, said: “Imagine the power grid delivers electricity without loss. It may profoundly change the ways we transfer and consume energy.”
On average, eight per cent to 15 per cent of energy is lost when being transmitted from power plants to consumers. But since room-temperature superconductors lack electrical resistance, they could deliver energy without losing power along the way.
To put it simply, we would have cheaper electricity bills. Offices, homes and factories would require less power to operate, contributing to a greener and more sustainable world. We would also be able to improve how we store and harness renewable energy. Ultimately, this could reduce our dependence on fossil fuels.
What do experts say about LK-99?
According to Li, many scientists have been trying to create room-temperature superconductors, but it is extremely difficult to develop.
“An apparent and direct reason is that we have ... [little] predicting power to know where to look for a new superconductor – let alone a room temperature one. In most cases, it is trial-and-error,” he explained.
Despite all the hype about LK-99, the expert warned that even if the claim turned out to be true, there would still be a long way to go. We would still need to determine the basic properties of the room-temperature superconductor, such as its critical temperature. We would also need to figure out how to synthesise the material and integrate it into our power grids.
“Until the reproducing effort can confirm the claimed finding, I’d recommend exercising caution and not getting too excited about it,” the doctor advised.