Superconductivity in Honeycomb Antiferromagnet CrPSe<sub>3</sub> via Irreversible Pressure-Mediated Interlayer Sliding.

Li, Chen; Li, Chengyu; Tang, Zheng; Liu, Ke; Chen, En; Wang, Yiming; Zhou, Yazhou; Guo, Jing et al. · ACS Nano · 2026

basic_science · Level V

Where this comes from

Abstract

Interlayer engineering offers a compelling strategy for tailoring emergent quantum states in van der Waals materials. The latest discoveries of nickel-based superconducting materials have once again ignited extensive interest in exploring transition-metal-based high-temperature superconductors. Two-dimensional metal-centered geometry, subtle valence regulation, and interactions dominated by interlayer stacking are key to achieving the superconducting state. Here, we present that pressure-mediated interlayer sliding in the antiferromagnetic honeycomb lattice CrPSe<sub>3</sub> triggers a cascade of electronic transitions, including an insulator-to-metal crossover, the emergence of a density-wave-like order, and possible superconductivity. The resulting phase diagram reveals a maximum transition temperature of 5.8 K concomitant with complete suppression of the density-wave-like order at 30.1 GPa. Comprehensive structural analyses uncover successive interlayer sliding accompanied by aberrant compressibility and pronounced volume collapse. Atomic-resolution imaging corroborates the irreversible sliding process, leading to a distinct metastable electronic state upon decompression. These insights underscore interlayer sliding as a powerful tool for manipulating quantum states in van der Waals materials.