Superconductivity in Ternary Zirconium Telluride Zr6MTe2 with 3d Transition Metals

Abstract

We report the synthesis, electronic properties, and electronic states of Zr₆MTe₂ (M = Cr, Mn, Fe, and Co), which is isostructural to a recently discovered superconductor family Sc₆MTe₂. Based on the electrical resistivity and heat capacity data measured at low temperatures, Zr₆FeTe₂ is found to show bulk superconductivity below T_c = 0.76 K. Zr₆CoTe₂ also exhibited zero resistivity due to superconductivity below 0.13 K. In contrast, Zr_6+δMn_1−δTe₂ does not show superconductivity but instead exhibits strong magnetism, which most likely prevents the formation of superconductivity in this material. The electronic properties and electronic states of Zr₆MTe₂ are discussed in comparison with those of Sc₆MTe₂.