Superconductivity in the pressure-amorphized topological insulator CrP${}_4$

Abstract

The interplay among superconductivity, magnetism, and nontrivial band topology represents one of the most compelling frontiers in condensed matter physics. The exploration of novel superconductivity in 3d transition-metal compounds, particularly the rare Cr-based systems containing strongly magnetic Cr ions, has long attracted attention owing to their unconventional pairing mechanisms that challenge conventional wisdom. Yet, Cr-based superconductors remain scarce, especially those possessing nontrivial topological character, underscoring the urgent need to uncover new members. Here we report the observation of superconductivity in pressure-amorphized Cr-based topological insulator CrP${}_4$. Upon compression, CrP${}_4$ undergoes an anomalous quantum phase transition from a metallic to a semiconducting-like state at around 15 GPa, driven by significant changes in the electronic structure. At approximately 70 GPa, re-metallization with superconductivity occurs alongside an irreversible amorphization. The superconducting transition temperature Tc increases monotonically with pressure, reaching 4.8 K at 141.3 GPa. Furthermore, theoretical calculations predict multiple topological phase transitions from a strong topological insulator to a trivial state and finally back to a strong topological state under pressure. Our study not only establishes CrP${}_4$ as the first Cr-based amorphous superconductor but also opens a new paradigm for exploring superconducting and topological properties in amorphous materials.

19 pages,6 figures, Physical Review B 113,224516(2026)

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