Clear evidence against superconductivity in hydrides under high pressure

Abstract

The Meissner effect, magnetic field expulsion, is a hallmark of superconductivity. Associated with it, superconductors exclude applied magnetic fields. Recently, Minkov et al. [Nat. Commun. 13, 3194 (2022)] presented experimental results reportedly showing “ definitive evidence of the Meissner effect” in sulfur hydride and lanthanum hydride under high pressure, and Eremets et al. [J. Supercond. Nov. Magn. 35, 965 (2022)] argued that “ the arguments against superconductivity (in hydrides) can be either refuted or explained.” Instead, we show here that the evidence presented in those papers does not support the case for superconductivity in these materials. Together with experimental evidence discussed in earlier papers, we argue that this strongly suggests that hydrides under pressure are not high-temperature superconductors.