Capitol News

Michigan State University chemist Weiwei Xie is advancing the discovery of new quantum materials with potential electronic and magnetic properties through high-pressure chemistry. Supported by a National Science Foundation grant, Xie collaborates with Susannah Dorfman from MSU's Department of Earth and Environmental Sciences and Jie “Jackie” Li from the University of Michigan.

The research focuses on iridium oxide, known for its stability and conductivity. The team applies intense heat and pressure to these compounds to study changes in their physical properties, aiming to find next-generation quantum materials, particularly high-temperature superconductors.

Xie explained the necessity of extreme conditions: "There are many unique chemical properties we simply can’t glimpse under regular conditions." She added that understanding electron behavior sometimes requires applying significant pressure to alter chemical bonds and magnetism.

The project will also facilitate workshops and a visiting scholar series at MSU and UM to introduce researchers to high-pressure chemistry methods. Xie emphasized the importance of collaboration: "High-pressure chemistry can be very tricky...I think it’s great to open your mind, meet new people and form connections."

Dorfman praised the partnership: "This is a great group of strong women scientists...great synergy."

Central to their experiments is the diamond anvil cell (DAC), used for high-pressure X-ray diffraction analysis. This technique involves squeezing samples between diamonds while striking them with X-rays to study atomic structures as pressure changes.

To further their research, they incorporate external heating via a multi-anvil process, amplifying applied forces. Dorfman highlighted DAC's advantages: "It’s so small — smaller than a coffee cup...you have a window into the experiment while it happens."

At Michigan State’s Center for Crystallographic Research, they investigate iridium oxides under intense conditions to advance knowledge on high-temperature superconductivity. These materials could revolutionize technologies like electrical grids and MRIs.

Xie noted similarities between iridium oxides and cuprates—the highest-temperature superconductors—and posed key questions about transforming iridium oxide into one.

Outreach initiatives aim to expand interest in high-pressure chemistry through graduate workshops and post-tenure scholar visits. Xie sees this as an opportunity for community building among chemists: "I’ve learned so much from geologists, engineers...Here’s a chance to learn new techniques."