Beryllium Silicide Clusters, BenSin, Be2nSin (n = 1 - 4) and possible MgB2-like Superconductivity in some of them

TL;DR

This paper predicts that certain beryllium silicide clusters, inspired by the structure of MgB2, could exhibit superconductivity with transition temperatures near or above 39K, based on symmetry and electronic considerations.

Contribution

It introduces a new class of beryllium silicide clusters and suggests their potential as MgB2-like superconductors, expanding the search for high-temperature superconducting materials.

Findings

Beryllium silicide clusters are structurally similar to MgB2.

Some clusters may exhibit superconductivity with Tcs near or above 39K.

Theoretical predictions are based on symmetry and electronic properties.

Abstract

The symmetry of the Periodic Table makes it possible to predict certain properties of similar elements and compounds using one of them as a template. Magnesium diboride, MgB2, presents a useful template in the search for similar materials. Starting from electronegativity, valence electron and atomic number equivalency, we identify many potential similar materials. One of them is the beryllium silicide, Be2nSin cluster system. We establish that though not yet produced in bulk, Be2Si exists. We show from symmetry principles that beryllium silicide and some of its clusters will be MgB2-like superconductors with Tcs close to or higher than 39K.