YPd2Al3—A new superconducting compound

We have prepared a polycrystalline sample of YPd2Al3 – a so far unknown member of the well-known group of intermetallic compounds REPd2Al3 (RE = rare earth elements). The XRPD analysis revealed that the YPd2Al3 compound crystallizes in the hexagonal crystal structure adopted by the entire REPd2Al3 family, too. For the new material we have measured the magnetization, AC susceptibility, specific heat and electrical resistivity with respect to temperature and magnetic field. We have observed superconductivity with TSC ≈ 2.2 K in well-annealed samples and Pauli paramagnetism in normal state. We have also performed ab initio electronic structure calculations and found reasonable agreement between experimental findings and corresponding results of theoretical calculations.

Research highlights▶ YPd2Al3-a new metallic superconductor belonging to RENi2Al3 structure type. ▶ Polycrystalline material was prepared by standard arc melting under the pure Ar. ▶ Strong increase of TSC was induced by heat treatment at 700 °C. ▶ Maximum TSC = 2.2 K. ▶ All results are supported and in good agreement with electronic structure calculation.