Four molecular superconductors isolated as nanoparticles

Abstract

(TMTSF)2PF6 and (TMTSF)2ClO4 Bechgaard salts, (BEDT-TTF)2I3, and TTF[Ni(dmit)2]2 [TMTSF = tetramethyltetraselenafulvalene; BEDT-TTF = bis(ethylenedithio)tetrathiafulvalene; TTF = tetrathiafulvalene; dmit = 1,3-dithiole-2-thione-4,5-dithiolate] are among the most popular molecular superconductors. They are grown as nanoparticles that exhibit properties in agreement with those of the bulk. The shape, size, and homogeneity of particles depend on the stabilizing agent and synthesis conditions. We report on the more recent conditions investigated (i) to produce nanoparticles of 35 nm for β-(BEDT-TTF)2I3, (ii) to reduce the particle size to 10–15 nm for TTF[Ni(dmit)2]2 and 3–5 nm for (TMTSF)2ClO4, and (iii) to improve the growth duration from days to one hour for (TMTSF)2PF6. Finally, we report evidence of superconductivity in (TMTSF)2ClO4 particles.