Bulk superconductivity in quintuple-layer square-planar nickelate La6Ni5O12

Abstract

Nickelate superconductors, sharing a similar electronic environment with cuprate superconductors, offer a promising platform for unraveling the mechanism of high-temperature superconductivity. However, the realization of superconductivity in these systems has so far been restricted to thin films or bulk samples under high-pressure. This limits the applicability of various experimental probes to study the mechanism of superconductivity, and hinders the potential application of the nickelate superconductors. Exploring bulk superconductivity at ambient pressure is therefore essential to understand its origin and enable broader experimental research. Here, we report the realization of bulk superconductivity at ambient-pressure in quintuple-layer square-planar (SP) nickelate La6Ni5O12. The SP phase is obtained by performing topotactic reaction on the quintuple-layer Ruddlesden-Popper (RP) compound La6Ni5O16. Optimized reduction condition endows La6Ni5O12 with a superconducting state that exhibits onset transition temperature of ~ 18 K, as verified by both zero resistance and diamagnetic shielding effect. Pronounced hysteresis loops revealed by magnetization and torque magnetometry demonstrate the occurrence of vortex pinning. Specific heat measurements on a polycrystalline pellet of La6Ni5O12 reveal a clear superconducting transition at ~18 K and a superconducting volume fraction of ~ 25%, which strongly supports the presence of bulk superconductivity. Our results establish an unprecedented bulk sample platform for investigating superconductivity in nickelates at ambient pressure, which paves the way for further experimental studies into the superconducting mechanism.