Superconductivity in Quasi One‐Dimensional Carbides

The electronic structures of the isotypic carbides Sc3TC4 (see picture; T=Fe, Co, Ni) are investigated by theoretical and experimental charge-density studies. Even tiny differences in the electronic band structure of these solids are reflected in the properties of the Laplacian of the experimental electron density. Only the cobalt carbide is superconducting below 4.5 K and displays a structural phase transition around 70 K.