Scientists from Canada and the US have used a ruthenium compound to help them unravel some of the mysteries surrounding superconductivity.

According to a report from the experts in the Nature Physics journal, experts have moved a step closer to developing materials that are optimised for magnetic and electric properties.

Using a uranium-ruthenium-silicon compound, the experts were able to observe it accommodate the normal adversity between magnetism and superconductivity.

The scientists found that, when placed at 17.5 degrees above absolute zero, electrons in the compound that were previously able to move freely around the compound's lattice structure behave far more orderly.

This more structured behaviour means that superconductivity may be possible, where it was once believed that the heavy electrons would make superconductivity impossible.

Ÿ Adfero Ltd