Identification of superconductivity in bilayer nickelate La3Ni2O7 under high pressure up to 100 GPa

Abstract

Identification of superconductivity in the Ruddlesden-Popper phases of nickelates under high pressure remains challenging. Here, we report a comprehensive study of the crystal structure, electrical resistance, and Meissner effect in single crystals of bilayer nickelate La₃Ni₂O₇ under hydrostatic pressures up to 104 GPa. Using high-pressure X-ray diffraction, we observe a structural transition from an orthorhombic to a tetragonal phase above 40 GPa. Superconductivity emerges with a maximum onset transition temperature <i>T</i> _c ^onset of 83 K at 18.0 GPa, accompanied by zero resistance. The superconducting phase is gradually suppressed and vanishes above 80 GPa, forming a right-triangle-like superconducting region. Direct-current magnetic susceptibility measurements demonstrate the Meissner effect and reveal a superconducting volume fraction of ∼41% at 22.0 GPa and 20 K, confirming the bulk nature of superconductivity in La₃Ni₂O₇. Our results highlight the intricate relationship between superconductivity, oxygen content, and structural transitions in this material.