Can electrochemistry help to understand superconductivity - β-Fe1+xSe as a case study

Superconductivity is a riddling phenomenon. Even after more than a century of research, the mechanism that drives the so-called ?unconventional? superconductors has not been fully understood. Although the phenomenon is closely linked to low temperature research which is usually not the preferred condition for an electrochemist, the structures itself determining the superconducting behaviour are synthesised, studied and modified at much higher temperatures. Electrochemistry provides an unmatched lever to change the thermodynamic ground state and to modify or synthesise compounds. Concomitantly, it affords a precision for the investigation of compositions superior to other chemical methods. In this review, the example of the iron-based superconductor beta-Fe1+xSe is chosen to evaluate achievements and prospects of this research at the cross section of (electro)chemistry and (solid state) physics.

Automated summary

Superconductivity remains a puzzling phenomenon despite over a century of research, particularly in the case of unconventional superconductors. Electrochemistry offers a unique advantage in studying superconducting behavior by allowing changes to the thermodynamic ground state and synthesis of compounds.