Superconducting protons in metals

TL;DR

This paper proposes that phonon-exchange interactions between interstitial protons in metals can lead to protonic superconductivity, forming Cooper-like pairs at high loading levels, which has been previously overlooked.

Contribution

It introduces the concept of protonic superconductivity driven by phonon-exchange interactions in metals, a novel mechanism not previously considered.

Findings

Phonon-exchange interactions between protons are significant.

Protonic superconductivity may occur in certain metals at high loading.

Formation of Cooper-like pairs of protons is possible.

Abstract

The hitherto neglected phonon-exchange interaction between interstitial protons in metal lattices is found to be large. It is shown that this effect may give rise to a phase of protonic superconductivity, characterized by the formation of Cooper-like pairs of protons, in certain metals at high stoichiometric loading.