Anomalous Charge State Evolution and Its Control of Superconductivity in M₃Al₂C (M = Mo, W)

Highlights

• Unexpected electron doping effect in M₃Al₂C system with the removal of electron donor

• Superconductivity originates from the M-C phonon modes

• The peculiar charge state greatly influences both its structure and superconductivity

Summary

The charge states of elements dictate the behavior of electrons and phonons in a lattice, either directly or indirectly. Here, we report the discovery of an anomalous charge state evolution in the superconducting M₃Al₂C (M = Mo, W) system, where electron doping can be achieved through “oxidation.” Specifically, with the continuous removal of electron donor (Al) from the structure, we found an electron doping effect in the negatively charged transition metals. Over a certain threshold, the charge state of transition metals goes through a sudden reversion from negative to positive, which leads to a subsequent structure collapse. Concomitantly, the previous robust superconducting transition temperatures (T_cs) can be flexibly modulated. Detailed analysis reveals the origin of the superconductivity and the intimate relationship between the charge state and the electron-phonon coupling constant. The peculiar charge state in M₃Al₂C plays an important role in both its structure and superconductivity.