This book offers a perspective on superconductivity that focuses on chemical equilibria as the basis for the conceptual difference between chemistry and physics. It shows how chemical equilibria involving changes in valence states with small separations in energies render oxides nonstoichiometric; similarly, in organic conductors, the energies of valence states give mixed valencies equilibria. The author proposes that mixed valency holds the key to similarities between organic compounds and oxides.
Chemical Equilibria Bases for Oxide and Organic Superconductors:
- Covers introductory topics relating to superconductivity and superconducting materials
- Puts crystal structures in context and shows that the structure of a nonstoichiometric phase requires going beyond the conventional methods of X-ray and neutron diffraction
- Identifies the fundamental role that mixed valence states play in chemical equilibria
- Provides mathematical analyses and interpretation of the pertinent data
- Shows that the normal state is characterized by small Fermi and small gap energies
- Sheds new light on the normal state in terms of small polarons and the transition to bipolarons in the superconducting, diamagnetic state
- Explores the interrelations among the three signatures of superconductivity—resistance, diamagnetic susceptibility, and specific heat
- Includes a disk containing programs that allow the user to calculate and graphically present various properties of superconducting materials
This volume presents an excellent selection of topics rather than a review of articles, providing an intriguing and insightful treatment of oxide and organic superconductors for professionals, teaching faculty, and graduate students in solid state chemistry, materials science, and physics.
