Description: High-temperature superconductors are materials that exhibit superconductivity at relatively high temperatures compared to conventional superconductors, which require extremely cold conditions to operate. These materials allow the transmission of electrical energy without resistance, meaning there is no energy loss in the form of heat during electricity transport. This property is crucial for improving energy efficiency in various applications. High-temperature superconductors are characterized by their ability to operate at temperatures above 77 K (-196 °C), making them more accessible and practical for use in modern technology. Their relevance lies in their potential to revolutionize how we generate, store, and distribute energy, as well as in their application in advanced electronic devices, transportation systems, and medical imaging technologies. Research in this field continues to expand, seeking new materials and methods that can further increase the temperature at which superconductivity can be achieved, which could open new frontiers in technology and sustainability.
History: Superconductivity was discovered in 1911 by Heike Kamerlingh Onnes, who observed that mercury became superconducting at temperatures close to absolute zero. However, high-temperature superconductors were not identified until 1986, when Johannes Georg Bednorz and Karl Alexander Müller discovered that certain ceramic compounds could exhibit superconductivity at temperatures above 30 K. This finding revolutionized the field and led to a significant increase in research on superconducting materials, culminating in the discovery of materials that operate at temperatures above 100 K in the late 1980s and 1990s.
Uses: High-temperature superconductors have various applications, including the construction of superconducting magnets for magnetic levitation trains, which allow for faster and more efficient transportation. They are also used in energy storage devices, such as magnetic energy storage systems, and in magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), where they enhance image quality. Additionally, they are being explored for use in smart electrical grids, where they could facilitate the transmission of electricity over long distances without significant losses.
Examples: A notable example of a high-temperature superconductor is YBa2Cu3O7 (YBCO), which is used in energy applications and in magnets for magnetic resonance imaging. Another example is Bi2Sr2CaCu2O8, which has been used in magnetic levitation experiments. These materials have proven to be fundamental in the research and development of advanced technologies that leverage the unique properties of superconductivity.
