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Researchers Achieve Superconductivity in FeTe by Removing Iron

4/12/2026

Summary

Story summary

FeTe becomes superconducting when excess iron atoms are removed, overturning its status as a simple magnetic metal.
Two Nature studies show that excess iron disrupts superconductivity.
By controlling the purity of FeTe, researchers achieved superconductivity at about 13.5 Kelvin.
They also explored moiré superlattices in layered structures to modify superconducting properties.
The findings could advance quantum materials research and improve understanding of hidden superconducting states in other materials.

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Story summary

FeTe becomes superconducting when excess iron atoms are removed, overturning its status as a simple magnetic metal.
Two Nature studies show that excess iron disrupts superconductivity.
By controlling the purity of FeTe, researchers achieved superconductivity at about 13.5 Kelvin.
They also explored moiré superlattices in layered structures to modify superconducting properties.
The findings could advance quantum materials research and improve understanding of hidden superconducting states in other materials.