From Alloys to Non-Metals: The Evolution of Superconducting Materials

Superconducting materials, which exhibit distinctive properties such as zero electrical resistance, perfect diamagnetism, and quantum tunneling effects, are of great practical significance and possess immense potential for application development. In the fields of power transmission, medicine, transportation, quantum computing, industry, and national defense, superconducting materials are becoming increasingly important. In recent years, with the progressive maturation of fabrication techniques, high-temperature superconducting materials have transitioned from experimental research to practical applications. Meanwhile, relentless investigation into the mechanisms of superconductivity has led to the emergence of novel superconducting materials. To further elucidate the landscape of superconductivity, this article first reviews the historical development of superconductors, their physical properties, and the classification of superconducting materials. It then introduces representative alloy-based, metal oxide, and emerging non-metallic superconducting materials. This study systematically examines the fundamental structures, performance characteristics, fabrication techniques, and current application progress for each category of superconducting material. Finally, it offers an outlook on future directions for enhancing the performance and expanding the practical applications of high-temperature superconducting materials.