More scientists say LK-99 'is not a superconductor'

A computer-generated image of a superconductor [SHUTTERSTOCK]

More scientists are coming forward to refute a claim by a group of Korean researchers about the development of the world’s first room-temperature superconductor, sending ripples across the market.

Nature, a high-impact scientific journal, reported on Wednesday that LK-99, a compound of lead, copper, phosphorus and oxygen that reportedly exhibited superconductivity at room temperatures and ambient atmospheric pressures, “is not a superconductor.”

The journal cited scientific evidence provided by the Max Planck Institute for Solid State Research in Germany, saying that “impurities in the material — in particular, copper sulfide — were responsible for the sharp drops in electrical resistivity and partial levitation over a magnet” that did not resemble superconductor properties.

Before Nature’s report, other overseas research institutes, including a research team at Princeton University, concluded that LK-99 does not display superconductivity.

In late July, a group of Korean scientists uploaded self-archived papers claiming that LK-99 exhibits superconductivity at room temperature, followed by the scientific community’s wide-ranging attempts at verification.

The mounting refutations have sent superconductor-themed stocks, which had been on a rollercoaster since the superconductor claims came to public attention, plunging on Thursday, except for Shinsung Delta Tech.

The share price of Shinsung Delta Tech jumped 15.19 percent to close at 59,900 won ($44.6) on the Kosdaq. The figure has been on a sharp surge compared to its closing price of 13,800 won on July 28.

Shinsung Delta Tech is considered a superconductor-themed stock along with Power Logics as the companies have invested in a venture company that holds a stake in Quantum Energy Research Centre.

On the other hand, Power Logics closed flat at 21,700 won, while the rest of the superconductor-themed stocks hit rock bottom.

SuNAM, an electrical equipment supplier which denied any relevance to the room-temperature superconductor claims, dropped 29.99 percent to 7,330 won. Wonik PNE also plunged 29.99 percent to close at 4,330 won, and LS Cable & System Asia, which said in a statement that “it is not and has not been operating any businesses related to superconductive cables,” declined 29.98 percent to 12,040 won.

BY SHIN HA-NEE [shin.hanee@joongang.co.kr]