As I understand it, superconductors work best at temperatures approaching absolute zero (-273.15C). For example, Google tells me that the superconductor in an MRI operates at -269C.

There has been a lot a buzz lately about room temperature (25C) superconductors being discovered, but why is room temperature the focus? Why not focus on superconductors that work in reasonably cold environments? For example, we can easily get temperatures to -15C in a freezer. Why not create superconductors that work in that temperature range rather than 25C?

  • DeusHircus@lemmy.zip
    link
    fedilink
    English
    arrow-up
    18
    ·
    1 year ago

    Research looks into any and all superconductors all the time. The buzz right now is because a new one was potentially found, and it happens to function at room temperature. Discoveries don’t happen on a schedule. If a superconductor was discovered that functioned at -15C, that would be huge news too as I believe the current warmest ambient pressure superconductor needs -140C to transition.