Superconductivity in intercalated molybdenum disulfide.

Abstract

X-ray studies show the existence of two different types of expansions of the intercalated unit cell in both Na and K compounds. Two different phases are also indicated in the superconducting behavior of the K compound. All intercalated samples studied show a superconducting transition. K and Rb compounds become superconductors in the temperature range from 6.5 to 6.0 K. The Na compounds become superconductors at about 4.5 K. In all cases, the superconductivity disappears upon a short exposure of the sample to air. This phenomenon confirms that the superconductivity is due to the presence of the alkali metal.