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Superconductivity on two surfaces

Nature Physics – Quantum
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⚡ Quantum Brief
Researchers at Shanghai Jiao Tong University discovered superconductivity in rhombohedral multilayer graphene arising from a novel mechanism where electrons and holes occupy opposite crystal surfaces. The study reveals this dual-surface semimetal state enables superconductivity by spatially separating charge carriers, challenging conventional pairing theories in 2D materials. Published in June 2026, the work builds on prior graphene superconductivity research but introduces the first observation of surface-segregated electron-hole interactions driving the phenomenon. Experiments confirm the unusual normal state precedes superconductivity, suggesting topological or interaction-driven pairing mechanisms distinct from phonon-mediated models. This breakthrough could inspire new quantum material designs by exploiting interlayer coupling and surface-specific carrier dynamics in layered van der Waals systems.
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Superconductivity on two surfaces

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Subjects Electronic properties and materialsSuperconducting properties and materials In rhombohedral multilayer graphene, superconductivity emerges from an unusual normal state in which electrons and holes reside on opposite surfaces of the crystal. Access through your institution Buy or subscribe This is a preview of subscription content, access via your institution Access options Access through your institution Access Nature and 54 other Nature Portfolio journals Get Nature+, our best-value online-access subscription $32.99 / 30 days cancel any time Learn more Subscribe to this journal Receive 12 print issues and online access $259.00 per year only $21.58 per issue Learn more Rent or buy this article Prices vary by article type from$1.95 to$39.95 Learn more Prices may be subject to local taxes which are calculated during checkout Fig. 1: Superconductivity from a dual-surface semimetal in rhombohedral graphene.The alternative text for this image may have been generated using AI. ReferencesKumar, M. et al. Nat. Phys. https://doi.org/10.1038/s41567-026-03277-5 (2026).Article Google Scholar Han, T. et al. Nat. Nanotechnol. 19, 181–187 (2024).Article ADS Google Scholar Liu, K. et al. Nat. Nanotechnol. 19, 188–195 (2024).Article ADS Google Scholar Zhou, H. et al. Nature 598, 429–433 (2021).Article ADS Google Scholar Zhou, H., Xie, T., Taniguchi, T., Watanabe, K. & Young, A. F. Nature 598, 434–438 (2021).Article ADS Google Scholar Chen, G. et al. Nature 579, 56–61 (2020).Article ADS Google Scholar Lu, Z. et al. Nature 626, 759–764 (2024).Article ADS Google Scholar Han, T. et al. Nature 643, 654–661 (2025).Article ADS Google Scholar Download referencesAuthor informationAuthors and AffiliationsSchool of Physics and Astronomy, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, ChinaTingxin LiAuthorsTingxin LiView author publicationsSearch author on:PubMed Google ScholarCorresponding authorCorrespondence to Tingxin Li.Ethics declarations Competing interests The author declares no competing interests. Rights and permissionsReprints and permissionsAbout this articleCite this articleLi, T. Superconductivity on two surfaces. Nat. Phys. (2026). https://doi.org/10.1038/s41567-026-03290-8Download citationPublished: 05 June 2026Version of record: 05 June 2026DOI: https://doi.org/10.1038/s41567-026-03290-8Share this articleAnyone you share the following link with will be able to read this content:Get shareable linkSorry, a shareable link is not currently available for this article.Copy shareable link to clipboard Provided by the Springer Nature SharedIt content-sharing initiative Superconductivity from dual-surface carriers in rhombohedral graphene Manish KumarDerek WaleffeMatthew Yankowitz Nature Physics Article 05 Jun 2026

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