The Elusive Dream: Room-Temperature Superconductors and the Quest for Energy Efficiency
1 Introduction
When Dutch physicist Heike Kamerlingh Onnes first discovered superconductivity in mercury at ultra-low temperatures back in 1911, little did he know that he was laying the groundwork for an endless journey of scientific investigation. Superconductors, with their ability to carry an electric current without any resistance, hold an irresistible allure that has challenged the scientific community for over a century. This potential for a lossless transmission of energy carries transformative implications for the realms of electricity generation, distribution, and storage. However, the most tantalizing prospect of all is the development of superconductors that can function at room temperature. This has remained an elusive dream for physicists and material scientists across the globe, a monumental scientific puzzle that has yet to be solved as of 2023.