PD Dr. habil. Oleksandr Dobrovolskiy, who leads the SuperSpin Lab, and Prof. Wolfgang Lang from the Electronic Properties of Materials group have joined the network of researchers from 20 other countries pursuing the implementation of High-Temperature Superconductors (HTS) in all different parts of the electrical energy chain. This collaborative project is funded by the European COST Action CA19108 “High-Temperature SuperConductivity for AcceLerating the Energy Transition” (HI-SCALE), which will continue through 07/10/2024.

Superconducting materials are becoming a more viable option to improve energy transition, thanks to their lack of electrical resistivity and other properties like the ability to carry bigger currents and to control large magnetic fields. HTS materials can become superconducting above the temperature of liquid nitrogen, attractive for the field of energy transmission, distribution and storage, which could be made more compact and efficient with disruptive technologies.

The two groups of the Faculty of Physics will contribute to the COST Action by joint studies of the superconducting and magneto-resistive properties of HTS cuprates with particular focus on the evolution of their current-carrying ability in consequence of irradiation with ions, electrons, various extreme exposures, nanopatterning, and interaction with quasiparticle ensembles.