Role of High-Pressure Techniques in Enhancing Superconductivity in Materials in Kenya

Abstract

Purpose: The aim of the study was to assess the role of high-pressure techniques in enhancing superconductivity in materials in Kenya.

Materials and Methods: This study adopted a desk methodology. A desk study research design is commonly known as secondary data collection. This is basically collecting data from existing resources preferably because of its low cost advantage as compared to a field research. Our current study looked into already published studies and reports as the data was easily accessed through online journals and libraries.

Findings: The study found that by applying extreme pressures, researchers can alter the atomic structures and electronic properties of materials, leading to the discovery of novel superconductors with higher critical temperatures (Tc). These techniques have been particularly effective in inducing superconductivity in materials that do not exhibit this property under ambient conditions. For instance, hydrogen-rich compounds like hydrogen sulfide (H2S) have been shown to exhibit superconductivity at record-high temperatures under high pressures, reaching Tc values above 200 K. Additionally, high-pressure methods have been used to optimize the superconducting properties of known materials, such as iron-based superconductors, by stabilizing favorable structural phases. This approach has expanded the understanding of superconductivity and opened new avenues for the development of materials that could potentially operate as superconductors at more practical temperatures, closer to room temperature.

Implications to Theory, Practice and Policy: Band Theory of solids, BCS theory (bardeen-cooper-schrieffer theory) and ginzburg-landau theory may be used to anchor future studies on assessing the role of high-pressure techniques in enhancing superconductivity in materials in Kenya. High-pressure techniques should be further developed and scaled for industrial applications, particularly in the energy sector, where superconducting materials can revolutionize power transmission and storage. Policymakers should increase funding and support for research into high-pressure techniques, particularly in developing countries.