Suppression of inhomogeneous electron localization in κ-(BEDT-TTF)2Cu2(CN)3 under pressure

In order to investigate the nature of the insulator phase of kappa-(BEDT-TTF)(2)Cu-2(CN)(3) [where BEDT-TTF represents bis(ethylenedithio)terathiofulvalene] and why this salt is a superconductor under pressure but not under ambient pressure, we examined the C-13 NMR spectra and spin lattice relaxation rate of kappa-(BEDT-TTF)(2)Cu-2(CN)(3) under pressure. The spin susceptibility evaluated from the Knight shift decreased with increase in pressure, and line broadening was suppressed above a critical pressure. The temperature dependence of (T1T)(-1) for kappa-(BEDT-TTF)(2)Cu-2(CN)(3) above a critical pressure was that for kappa-(BEDT-TTF)(2)X, where X was Cu[N(CN)(2)]Br or Cu(NCS)(2). These results suggest that the electronic structure of kappa-(BEDT-TTF)(2)Cu-2(CN)(3) under pressure is similar to that of other kappa-(BEDT-TTF)(2)X salts. The results support our model that electron inhomogeneity and hopping conduction, which are common features of semiconductivity in kappa-(BEDT-TTF)(2)X at high temperatures, are responsible for the insulator phase in kappa-(BEDT-TTF)(2)Cu-2(CN)(3). The electron inhomogeneity suppresses the semiconductor-metal transformation and superconductivity observed in other kappa-(BEDT-TTF)(2)X salts.