Nickelate High-Temperature Superconductors
Nickelate high-temperature superconductors represent a recently discovered class of superconducting materials that has attracted significant attention. Their study provides new perspectives on the mechanisms of high-temperature superconductivity. In 2023, Wang Meng's team at Sun Yat-sen University successfully synthesized high-quality single crystals of the bilayer nickelate La₃Ni₂O₇ using a high-pressure optical floating zone furnace. Through collaborative high-pressure electrical transport and magnetization measurements, the team observed superconductivity at a critical temperature of 80 K. This discovery establishes nickelates as the second family of oxide superconductors, after the cuprates, to achieve superconductivity above the boiling point temperature of liquid nitrogen.
Representative works:
1. Hualei Sun, Meng Wang* et al., Nature 621, 493–498 (2023)
https://doi.org/10.1038/s41586-023-06408-7
2. Jingyuan Li, Meng Wang* et al., National Science Review, 12, nwaf220 (2025).
https://doi.org/10.1093/nsr/nwaf220
Quantum magnetic materials
In certain magnetic condensed matter systems, the coexistence of spin frustration and quantum fluctuations can prevent the formation of long-range magnetic order, giving rise to novel quantum spin states (such as quantum spin liquids) that defy description by classical magnetism and phase transition theories. Such materials are termed quantum magnets. The quantum spin liquid state represents a class of quantum paramagnetic states that, even at zero temperature, do not develop long-range ordered arrangements yet maintain long-range entanglement between spins. Quantum spin liquids hold promise for providing the material foundation for realizing fault-tolerant topological quantum computation and may also offer clues to unraveling the mechanism of high-temperature superconductivity. However, universally accepted quantum spin liquid materials have not yet been identified. We will use neutron scattering, combined with ultra-low-temperature experimental conditions, to investigate quantum magnetic materials and search for quantum spin liquids.
Representative works:
Xie et al., Phys. Rev. Lett. 133, 096703 (2024):
https://doi.org/10.1103/PhysRevLett.133.096703
Xie et al., npj Quantum Mater. 8, 48 (2023):
https://doi.org/10.1038/s41535-023-00580-9
Low-dimensional (2D) functional magnetic materials
Confined in low dimensions, the excellent coupling between layered van der Waals electronic and magnetic materials, along with other degrees of freedom, provides a versatile platform for realizing novel physical phenomena. Current cutting-edge international research directions include: (1) Room-temperature-stable two-dimensional ferromagnetism, antiferromagnetism, etc.; (2) Exotic spin textures and collective excitations under 2D confinement. These magnetoelectric functional materials, which are stable at room temperature, serve as a critical foundation for next-generation spintronics.
Representative works:
Wanping Cai, Hualei Sun*, Meng Wang* et al., Physical Review B 102, 144525 (2020):
https://doi.org/10.1103/PhysRevB.102.144525
Hualei Sun, Meng Wang* et al., Materials Today Physics 36, 101188 (2023):
https://doi.org/10.1016/j.mtphys.2023.101188
Topological quantum materials
Topological quantum materials host symmetry-protected boundary states that enable dissipationless charge and spin transport, creating transformative platforms for next-generation electronics. To unlock their quantum phenomena, we develop advanced fabrication methods that transform microscopic crystallites of complex compounds into high-purity micro- and nanostructures. Using focused ion beam (FIB) or photo lithography as our pivotal techniques, we carve crystalline quantum devices with nanometric precision directly from bulk single crystals. On these engineered structures, we deploy correlated quantum transport and quantum oscillation measurements to decode emergent electronic properties. Through Shubnikov-de Haas/de Haas-van Alphen oscillations, we resolve Fermi surface topology and nontrivial band degeneracy points, etc.
Representative works:
Bin Wang, Bing Shen* et al., Nano Lett. 24, 50, 16031–16038 (2024):
https://doi.org/10.1021/acs.nanolett.4c04411
Leyi Li, Bing Shen*, Meng Wang* et al., NPJ QUANTUM MATERIALS, 8(1): 2 (2023):
https://doi.org/10.1038/s41535-022-00534-7