Synthesis, transport and magnetic properties of Cu-doped apatite Pb10−Cu (PO4)6O

Summary

Cu-doped apatite Pb_10−xCu_x(PO₄)₆O was synthesized. The crystal structure and composition were determined using X-ray diffraction and energy dispersive X-ray spectroscopy. Both the primary phase and impurities have been successfully identified. We performed temperature-dependent resistivity measurements on the synthesized Pb_10−xCu_x(PO₄)₆O samples. Remarkably, four distinct types of resistivity behaviors were observed in one sample. Following a thorough compositional analysis, we proposed a current percolation model, based on the formation of a Cu/Pb current channel, to elucidate the observed special resistivity behaviors. It is important to note that the Meissner effect was not observed in our magnetization measurements. Consequently, we reached the conclusion that the presence of superconductivity in Cu-doped apatite has yet to be substantiated.