Epitaxial superconducting δ-MoN films grown by a chemical solution method

J Am Chem Soc. 2011 Dec 28;133(51):20735-7. doi: 10.1021/ja208868k. Epub 2011 Dec 6.

Abstract

The synthesis of pure δ-MoN with desired superconducting properties usually requires extreme conditions, such as high temperature and high pressure, which hinders its fundamental studies and applications. Herein, by using a chemical solution method, epitaxial δ-MoN thin films have been grown on c-cut Al(2)O(3) substrates at a temperature lower than 900 °C and an ambient pressure. The films are phase pure and show a T(c) of 13.0 K with a sharp transition. In addition, the films show a high critical field and excellent current carrying capabilities, which further prove the superior quality of these chemically prepared epitaxial thin films.