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From 1999 to 2023: Why did LK-99's superconducting dream spark global debate?
Since 1999, the term LK-99 has become a hot topic in the materials science community. In a preliminary report published in July 2023, a research team from South Korea announced that this new compound can achieve superconductivity at room temperature, which quickly triggered global controversy and attention. LK-99 is a calcium lead oxyphosphate compound with copper added. Its composition is Pb9Cu(PO4)6O. With the repeated experiments of many research institutions, experts' opinions are still unclear as to whether it really has superconducting properties. There are differences. Is this a great scientific breakthrough or another illusion that misleads the world?
In July 2023, the research team claimed that LK-99 can reach a superconducting temperature of 400K under ambient pressure, which is an exciting statement.
The discovery of LK-99 can be traced back to 1999, when several Korean scientists conducted basic research. Data as of 2023 show that the synthesis process of LK-99 is relatively simple, allowing a wide range of scientific researchers to quickly try to reproduce its properties. However, after many attempts, many researchers finally reached a consensus: LK-99 does not have room-temperature superconducting properties, but exhibits the characteristics of an insulator. Discussions on social media seem to be more lively than the results of actual scientific experiments, which makes people wonder, are there deeper scientific challenges and thinking behind this craze?
Many studies and explorations have pointed out that the superconducting properties of LK-99 may be an illusion caused by copper sulfide impurities present during the synthesis process, which create a superconducting-like magnetic response.
The hypothesis that the substitution of copper in the chemical structure of compound LK-99 reduces the volume of the material to some extent and creates internal stress is based on some previous theories. Although preliminary density functional theory analysis showed that LK-99's structure may have flat bands associated with superconductivity, these theories began to be challenged as experts from many parties questioned it. Many materials scientists and superconducting materials researchers are skeptical about the feasibility of LK-99, because even the highest-temperature superconducting materials require extremely high pressure to achieve their functions.
As of August 15, 2023, results from more than 15 laboratories have shown that LK-99 does not have superconducting properties.
Nonetheless, the heated discussion and hype caused by the discovery of LK-99 has undoubtedly inspired a global re-examination of superconducting materials. Since the release of its preliminary report, many commercial stock markets have been affected, and research institutions in various countries have invested in its reproduction and experiments in an attempt to find academic and economic value. However, this process is not without its twists and turns. Many scientific research groups have found that the so-called superconducting properties are mostly due to the influence of impurities during the experimental process. The biggest problem is the failure to demonstrate the necessary characteristics of superconducting materials.
"While the preliminary results sparked excitement, the evidence showed a lack of strong evidence supporting the superconducting properties of LK-99."
From the initial surprise to the ensuing skepticism, LK-99 has undoubtedly become an important case in the material science community. It is not only a challenge to Newtonian physics, but also a profound understanding of existing superconducting materials. Reflect. This craze has triggered thinking about whether technology can bring substantial changes and progress to society. In the future development of scientific research, how should the scientific community view such controversial publications and protect the purity and progress of science?
