Superconductivity at 2.3 K in the misfit compound (PbSe)1.16(TiSe2)2

TL;DR

This paper reports the discovery of superconductivity at 2.3 K in a misfit compound composed of PbSe and TiSe2 layers, with structural analysis and charge transfer mechanisms elucidated.

Contribution

It introduces a new misfit compound (PbSe)1.16(TiSe2)2 exhibiting superconductivity, detailing its structure and charge transfer-induced superconductivity.

Findings

Superconductivity at 2.3 K observed in the compound.

Structural analysis confirms layered misfit structure.

Charge transfer from PbSe to TiSe2 induces superconductivity.

Abstract

The structural misfit compound (PbSe)1.16(TiSe2)2 is reported. It is a superconductor with a Tc of 2.3 K. (PbSe)1.16(TiSe2)2 derives from a parent compound, TiSe2, which shows a charge density wave transition and no superconductivity. The crystal structure, characterized by high resolution electron microscopy and powder x-ray diffraction, consists of two layers of 1T-TiSe2 alternating with a double layer of (100) PbSe. Transport measurements suggest that the superconductivity is induced by charge transfer from the PbSe layers to the TiSe2 layers.