Clear evidence against superconductivity in hydrides under high pressure

TL;DR

This paper critically examines recent claims of superconductivity in high-pressure hydrides and presents evidence that challenges those claims, suggesting hydrides under pressure are unlikely to be high-temperature superconductors.

Contribution

The paper provides a detailed critique of recent experimental evidence, arguing against the presence of superconductivity in hydrides under high pressure.

Findings

Recent experimental claims of the Meissner effect in hydrides are not supported.

Evidence against superconductivity in high-pressure hydrides is reinforced.

Hydrides under pressure are unlikely to be high-temperature superconductors.

Abstract

The Meissner effect, magnetic field expulsion, is a hallmark of superconductivity. Associated with it, superconductors exclude applied magnetic fields. Recently Minkov et al. presented experimental results reportedly showing "definitive evidence of the Meissner effect" in sulfur hydride and lanthanum hydride under high pressure [1], and more recently Eremets et al. argued that "the arguments against superconductivity (in hydrides) can be either refuted or explained" [2]. Instead, we show here that the evidence presented in those papers does not support the case for superconductivity in these materials. Together with experimental evidence discussed in earlier papers, we argue that this strongly suggests that hydrides under pressure are not high-temperature superconductors.