Unprecedented pressure-driven metallization and topological charge transport in an anion radical salt

2021

Abstract The hybrid inorganic/organic closed π -stacking and soft lattice of a copper anion radial (Copper-7,7,8,8-tetracyanoquinodimethane) renders its electrical conductivity and structural modifications, which are susceptible to temperature and pressure. The geometry of its metal-ligand construction contemplates the concept of topology with a charge-transfer instability. A pressure-induced ionic-neutral phase transition occurs and accompanies an anomalously large electrical conductivity, carries topological charges, and possesses a low energy gap smaller than the Coulomb gap. X-ray absorption spectroscopy of the metal establishes the high electrical conduction by the topological charges.…