The term "layered cuprate" describes a class of high-temperature superconductors that contain copper oxide layers. The word "cuprate" is pronounced /ˈkjuːpreɪt/ with the stress on the first syllable. "Layered" is pronounced as /ˈleɪəd/ with the stress on the first syllable, followed by the schwa sound, and ending with a voiced dental consonant /d/. When combined, "layered cuprate" is pronounced as /ˈleɪəd ˈkjuːpreɪt/, reflecting its two-component structure. These materials have potential for various technological applications due to their ability to conduct electricity without resistance at high temperatures.
A "layered cuprate" refers to a compound that belongs to a family of copper oxide materials known as cuprates, which are characterized by their unique layered structure. Cuprates are superconducting materials that have high-temperature superconductivity, meaning they can conduct electric current with zero electrical resistance at relatively higher temperatures than conventional superconductors.
The term "layered" in "layered cuprate" describes the atomic arrangement of the cuprate crystal lattice. Cuprate compounds consist of alternating layers of copper and oxygen atoms. These layers are quite thin and are stacked one on top of another, forming a three-dimensional structure.
The layered structure of cuprates plays a vital role in their superconducting properties. It allows electrons to move freely within the layers but restricts their motion between the layers. This restricted motion gives rise to a strong electron-electron interaction, leading to the formation of Cooper pairs, which are responsible for the phenomenon of superconductivity. The specific arrangement of copper and oxygen layers can vary, resulting in different cuprate materials with varying superconducting properties.
Layered cuprates have garnered significant interest among researchers due to their high-temperature superconductivity, as it offers potential applications in areas such as power transmission, magnetic levitation, and energy storage. Understanding the complex behavior of layered cuprates and discovering new materials within this family can help in advancing the field of superconductivity and its practical use in various industries.
The word "layered cuprate" is derived from two main sources: "layered" and "cuprate".
The term "layered" refers to the structure of the material. In solid-state chemistry, layered refers to a structural arrangement where atoms or molecules are arranged in stacked layers, creating a distinct layered structure.
The term "cuprate" is a combination of the word "cuprum", which means copper in Latin, and the suffix "-ate", which is commonly used in chemistry to denote compounds containing a polyatomic anion. In this case, "cuprate" signifies a compound that contains copper ions.
So, when combined, the term "layered cuprate" describes a compound composed of layers of atoms or molecules containing copper ions. It is commonly used to refer to a family of materials known as high-temperature superconducting cuprates, which exhibit unique superconducting properties at relatively high temperatures.