CuIr2Te4: A Quasi-Two-Dimensional Ternary Telluride Chalcogenide Superconductor

Here we report the first observation of superconductivity in the AB2X4-type ternary telluride CuIr2Te4, which is synthesized by a solid-state method in an evacuated quartz jacket. It adopts a disordered trigonal structure with space group P3m1 (No. 164), which embodies a two-dimensional IrTe2 layers and intercalated by Cu between the layers. We use a combination of experimental and first principles calculation analysis to look insight into the structural and physical properties. CuIr2Te4 consistently exhibited a bulk superconductivity transition at 2.5 K in electrical resistivity, magnetic susceptibility and specific heat measurements. Resistivity and magnetization measurements suggest a charge density wave transition (TCDW = 250 K) coexists in CuIr2Te4, which further signify the coexistence of superconductivity and CDW in the ternary telluride chalcogenide CuIr2Te4. Our discovery of the new CDW-bearing superconductor CuIr2Te4 opens a door for experimental and theoretical studies of the interplay between CDW and superconductivity quantum state in the condensed matter field.