Our interview to the Brazilian newspaper “Jornal da USP” is now online!
“Zip Phases,” synthetic materials combining metallic and non-metallic chemical elements, could be used in the future in electronics, energy storage, superconductivity, and sensors.
A new class of synthetic intermetallic materials, with unique atomic structures and physical properties offering high technological potential, has been developed by an international consortium of researchers led by a Brazilian researcher, with participation from the University of São Paulo (USP). These are known as Zigzag Intermetallic Phases ( ZIP Phases), which combine metallic and nonmetallic chemical elements arranged in a zigzag pattern and exhibit magnetic behavior and superconductivity at low temperatures.
Although scientists predicted the existence of these materials in the 1960s, they had not yet been experimentally demonstrated. The research paves the way for applications in electronics, energy storage, quantum computing, superconductivity, and miniaturized, two-dimensional sensors, with the potential for high resistance to corrosion and radiation in extreme environments, such as high temperatures. The study results are described in an article published in the scientific journal Advanced Materials .
“ZIP Phases are a new class of synthetic ternary intermetallic compounds formed by the combination of three different metals, characterized by a ‘zigzagging’ atomic arrangement and a dualistic ordering. They can form in two distinct structural variants: cubic and hexagonal,” Professor Matheus Tunes of Montanuniversität Leoben, Austria, who coordinated the research, told Jornal da USP . “These materials combine metallic behavior, ionic bonds, and complex atomic patterns. They were synthesized in systems involving transition metals and silicon, such as Nb–Si–Ni (niobium, silicon, and nickel), Nb–Si–Co (niobium, silicon, and cobalt), Ta–Si–Ni (tantalum, silicon, and nickel), V–Si–Ni (vanadium, silicon, and nickel), and Nb–Si–Fe (niobium, silicon, and iron),” he said.
According to Tunes, the unique properties of ZIP phases suggest a wide range of potential applications:
“Among these are uses in next-generation electronics and smart devices, materials for batteries and energy storage, quantum computing and magnetic sensors, as well as materials for extreme environments and advanced structural components. Furthermore, the possibility of producing two-dimensional derivatives could lead to advances in flexible electronics and multifunctional devices.” Emphasizes Prof. Tunes.
Continue reading the full interview here: University of São Paulo Newspaper.
About the University of São Paulo
The University of São Paulo (USP) is the leading academic and research Brazilian institution known for its excellence and global research impact. Established in 1934, currently features 150.000 students spread to multiple campuses all over the São Paulo State. It consistently ranks among the top universities worldwide, with notable positions in various global rankings: 101-150 in ARWU (2022), 109th in CWUR (2023), 12th in CWTS World Rankings (2023), 108th in QS (2026), 201–250 in THE (2023), and 120th in US News (2022-23). USP excels in fields like medicine, engineering, and the sciences, and plays a key role in Brazil’s development through its research, education, and public services.
Materials at Extremes 