The role of the water molecules in novel superconductor, Na$_{0.35}$CoO$_{2}\cdot$1.3H$_{2}$O

Abstract

In order to investigate the role of the water molecules in Na$_{0.35}$CoO$_{2}\cdot$1.3H$_{2}$O, we synthesized superconducting Na$_{0.35}$CoO$_{2}\cdot$1.3H$_{2}$O and nonsuperconducting Na$_{0.35}$CoO$_{2}\cdot$0.7H$_{2}$O, and measured their normal-state magnetic susceptibilities. The susceptibility of Na$_{0.35}$CoO$_{2}\cdot$1.3H$_{2}$O has an enhancement below ~150 K probably caused by ferromagnetic fluctuation, whereas no such enhancement was observed in Na$_{0.35}$CoO$_{2}\cdot$0.7H$_{2}$O. The water molecules in Na$_{0.35}$CoO$_{2}\cdot$1.3H$_{2}$O may work to shield random coulomb potential of the Na ions with smoother potential at the CoO$_{2}$ layer. This effect may account for the appearance of superconductivity in Na$_{0.35}$CoO$_{2}\cdot$1.3H$_{2}$O.