Superconducting and thermoelectric properties of new layered Superconductor Bi4O4S3

TL;DR

This study reports the synthesis and characterization of a new layered superconductor, Bi4O4S3, demonstrating its superconducting transition at 4.5 K and notable thermoelectric properties, suggesting potential applications in thermoelectric devices.

Contribution

First successful synthesis and comprehensive analysis of Bi4O4S3's superconducting and thermoelectric properties, highlighting its dual functionality.

Findings

Superconducting transition at 4.5 K

Type II superconductor behavior

Thermoelectric figure of merit ZT ≈ 0.03 at 300K

Abstract

Polycrystalline sample of the new layered superconductor Bi4O4S3 is successfully synthesized by solid-state reaction method by using Bi, S and Bi2O3 powders with one step reaction. The superconducting transition temperature (Tconset=4.5 K), the zero resistance transition temperature (Tc0=4.07 K) and the diamagnetic transition temperature (4.02 K at H=10 Oe) were confirmed by electrical transport and magnetic measurements. Also, our results indicate a typical type II-superconductor behavior. In addition, a large thermoelectric effect was observed with a dimensionless thermoelectric figure of merit (ZT) of about 0.03 at 300K, indicating Bi4O4S3 can be a potential thermoelectric material.