Superconductors: Future Predictions on Their Integration into Daily Life
Throughout human history, the importance given to science and technology has steadily increased. Today, that importance has reached its peak. From space mining to artificial organ production, from terraforming technologies to quantum computers, we continue to push the boundaries of knowledge in both nature and humanity. Sometimes, we even learn about groundbreaking developments in different scientific fields on the very same day.
Throughout human history, the importance given to science and technology has steadily increased. Today, that importance has reached its peak. From space mining to artificial organ production, from terraforming technologies to quantum computers, we continue to push the boundaries of knowledge in both nature and humanity. Sometimes, we even learn about groundbreaking developments in different scientific fields on the very same day. This rapid pace and density of knowledge production can leave us without enough time to truly grasp the significance of some discoveries. As Boğaziçi Ventures, as part of our "disruptive innovation" strategy, we closely follow innovations that improve technology and our lives, and we share this knowledge. Last week, superconductors were at the center of the scientific community’s attention, so we thought compiling an overview on the subject would be valuable for both those already interested and those hearing about it for the first time.
What is Superconductivity?
Before understanding superconductivity, it is useful to briefly explain the term "conductor."
Matter in the universe is made up of atoms, which consist of particles called electrons, neutrons, and protons. Electricity and conductivity are directly linked to electrons among these particles. Simply put, energized electrons can detach from their atoms and move to another atom. This is how the transfer of electrical energy occurs. Conductivity and insulation depend on how resistant atoms are to losing or gaining electrons. High-energy atoms resist gaining new electrons, while low-energy atoms are reluctant to lose them.
Compared to nonmetals and noble gases, metal elements are less inclined to hold tightly onto their electrons. For this reason, the elements we call "conductors" in everyday life are all metals. As temperature decreases or pressure increases, metal atoms come closer together, making it easier for high-energy electrons to move from one atom to another.
A material’s conductivity depends on its structure, surrounding temperature, and pressure. Superconductivity occurs when these conditions align perfectly, allowing electrons to move with near-zero or zero resistance. This means zero energy loss during electricity transmission and perfect efficiency.
However, none of the superconducting materials discovered so far have been feasible for daily life due to environmental conditions and costs. For example, requiring temperatures between -273°C and -243°C or pressures of 10,000 atmospheres makes it impractical to have such devices at home or in the office.
What If Room-Temperature Superconductors Existed?
In any system using electricity, high conductivity is something engineers highly desire. From computers to medical devices, from transportation to energy production, extensive research and development is conducted to ensure circuits operate at maximum efficiency.
The existence of room-temperature superconductors could positively impact many areas of life:
Transmission capacity of power lines could increase by more than 200 times.
Zero resistance in superconductors could create magnetic fields that last indefinitely unless disturbed. These magnets could be used across many magnetic applications.
Energy production facilities like Tokamak Fusion Reactors, which rely on magnetism, could become more feasible.
Costs of magnetic levitation trains could decrease while their efficiency improves.
MRI machines could operate with greater sensitivity.
More efficient electric motors and generators could be built.
Quantum computers could expand in capability and processing power.
Stronger and more precise radio frequency antennas could be developed.
More efficient versions of particle accelerators, like CERN’s Large Hadron Collider, could be built.
Higher-performance smart electronic devices could be produced.
Such advances would mark huge leaps across all industries related to the production, transmission, and application of energy. For a long time, research has been conducted in this area. In July, a team of South Korean and American researchers discovered that a ceramic paste enriched with phosphate and copper demonstrated superconducting properties at room temperature. When these findings were published, they sparked major debate in the scientific world. While some argued there must have been an error, others saw it as a major breakthrough for science and technology.
Potential Applications of Superconductors
The integration of superconductors into daily life could lead to revolutionary changes in many fields. For example:
Energy Production and Distribution: Superconductors could enhance power grid efficiency by minimizing energy loss. This could lower energy costs and accelerate the adoption of sustainable energy solutions.
Medical Devices: MRI machines and similar devices could become more precise and effective with superconducting technology, leading to more accurate diagnoses and improved healthcare services.
Transportation: Superconductors could enable new transportation solutions, such as magnetic levitation trains, which would be faster, more cost-effective, and environmentally friendly.
Electronics and Computer Technologies: Quantum computers and high-performance processors could become significantly stronger and more efficient, sparking breakthroughs across industries.
The Future of Superconductors
The South Korean and American researchers’ experiment with phosphate- and copper-enriched ceramic paste created major buzz in the scientific community. However, more research is needed to confirm whether room-temperature superconductivity is truly possible.
The existence of room-temperature superconductors would not only be a theoretical breakthrough but also a practical revolution. From energy efficiency to healthcare, from transportation to computing, it could transform many aspects of modern life.
As Boğaziçi Ventures, we continue to follow new and innovative technologies closely and aim to support projects in these areas. Through our "disruptive innovation" strategy, we prioritize bringing to life technology projects—first and foremost with Turkish entrepreneurs—that will make the world a better place. We are eager to follow the developments of superconductivity-based technology projects, which we are likely to hear about more often in the near future.
Conclusion
Superconductivity stands as a groundbreaking discovery in the world of science and technology. Especially room-temperature superconductivity could unlock revolutionary innovations across industries. Its integration into daily life could reshape energy efficiency, healthcare, transportation, and computing. At Boğaziçi Ventures, we remain committed to closely tracking these advancements and supporting innovative projects that drive transformative change.