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