Rhombohedral Graphene Exhibits Superconducting and Metallic Phases

Researchers observed distinct superconducting and metallic phases within rhombohedral graphene layered on a tungsten diselenide (WSe2) substrate. The findings, published online on September 23, 2026, in the journal Nature, detail observations made under varying conditions of temperature, magnetic field, and electrical current. Specifically, the experiments revealed regions within the gate-tunable graphene that exhibited zero-resistance superconductivity, a state where electrical current flows without any energy loss. Concurrently, other areas within the same material displayed finite saturation resistance, characteristic of a metallic phase. This coexistence of two fundamentally different electronic states within a single material system is a significant observation. Rhombohedral graphene, a specific stacking arrangement of graphene layers, has been a subject of intense research due to its unique electronic properties, which differ from the more common Bernal (AB) stacked graphene. The use of a WSe2 substrate is also noteworthy, as transition metal dichalcogenides like WSe2 are known to induce strong spin-orbit coupling and can modify the electronic band structure of the graphene placed upon them. This interaction is believed to be crucial in stabilizing the observed electronic phases. The ability to tune these phases through gate voltage, magnetic field, and temperature provides a powerful experimental handle for understanding the underlying physics. Superconductivity in two-dimensional materials is a frontier in condensed matter physics, with potential applications in quantum computing and low-power electronics. The observation of superconductivity in graphene, particularly in this rhombohedral configuration, adds to the growing body of evidence for novel electronic phenomena in van der Waals heterostructures. The metallic phase observed alongside superconductivity suggests complex electronic interactions and phase transitions occurring within the material. Further research will likely focus on elucidating the microscopic mechanisms responsible for these coexisting phases and exploring the potential for controlling them for technological applications. The precise conditions under which these phases emerge and transition between each other are critical for understanding their fundamental nature. The study's publication in Nature, a leading scientific journal, underscores the importance of these findings within the broader scientific community. The DOI for the publication is 10.1038/s41586-026-11033-1.