Emergence of superconductivity in "32522" structure of (Ca3Al2O(5-y))(Fe2Pn2) (Pn = As and P)

J Am Chem Soc. 2011 Jun 29;133(25):9630-3. doi: 10.1021/ja110729m. Epub 2011 Jun 3.

Abstract

Using a high-pressure technique, we have successfully synthesized (Ca(3)Al(2)O(5-y))(Fe(2)Pn(2)) (Pn = As and P), the first iron-based superconductors with the perovskite-based "32522" structure to be reported. The transition temperature (T(c)) is 30.2 K for Pn = As and 16.6 K for Pn = P. The emergence of superconductivity is ascribed to the small tetragonal a-axis lattice constant of the materials. From these results, an empirical relationship is established between the a-axis lattice constant and T(c) in iron-based superconductors, which offers a practical guideline for exploring new superconductors with higher T(c).