Superconducting state parameters of C-16 structured Zr 2Rh

Abstract

Low temperature heat capacity, resistivity and dc magnetisation measurements were performed to characterize the superconducting state of C-16 structured Zr 2Rh intermetallic compound. Using parametrised expressions based on the Ginzburg–Landau–Abrikosov–Gorkov theory, we conclude that Zr 2Rh is a strongly coupled superconductor with 2 Δ(0)/ k B T c∼4.7. It has a κ∼44 and the measured H c2/ H c1 ratio is 275.5. We also discuss the effect of hydrogenation on the superconducting transition temperature and the irreversibility line of this intermetallic compound.