Raising Tc in charge density wave superconductor ZrTe3 by Ni intercalation

TL;DR

This paper reports the discovery of bulk superconductivity in Ni-intercalated ZrTe3, which coexists with a charge density wave, and shows enhanced superconducting properties compared to the parent material.

Contribution

It demonstrates that Ni intercalation induces bulk superconductivity in ZrTe3 and alters its charge density wave properties, revealing a new way to enhance superconductivity in this material.

Findings

Superconductivity at Tc = 3.1 K in Ni0.05ZrTe3

Coexistence of superconductivity and charge density wave

Superconductivity is intermediate coupled

Abstract

We report discovery of bulk superconductivity in Ni0.05ZrTe3 at Tc = 3.1 K, obtained through Ni intercalation. Superconductivity coexists with charge density wave (CDW) state with TCDW = 41 K. When compared to parent material ZrTe3, filamentary superconducting transition is substantially increased whereas TCDW was suppressed. The analysis of superconducting state indicates that Ni0.05ZrTe3 is an intermediately coupled superconductor.