In order to guarantee superconductivity the molecular structure must be fixed as firmly as possible by cooling. Harald Weber from the Atomic Institute of the Austrian Universities uses liquid nitrogen for this purpose. The energy industry explores new paths, the passing of electricity through conductors with no loss of power is within reach. 14 years ago, scientists detected ceramic superconductors which exhibit the same properties as their metallic counterparts, but need not be cooled down to such low temperatures. At least in theory.
Practical application shows a different picture.
Metallic superconductors remain the only materials suitable for carrying electric current, since their molecules can be fixed more easily. But due to their complicated molecular structure they cannot be used commercially, except when they are cooled with helium. Despite this drawback, ceramic superconductors have already been subjected to practical tests in Japan. But thanks to the research results obtained by Harald Weber from the Atomic Institute of the Austrian Universities, the use of liquid nitrogen is now within reach. In his approach, defects are fixed by proton bombardment with liquid nitrogen.