High-pressure studies of superconductivity and crystal structure in Mo3Al2C

Mo₃Al₂C is a non-centrosymmetric superconductor with unique superconducting properties influenced by its lack of inversion symmetry. In this work, we explore the evolution of its superconducting state and crystal structure under pressures up to 23 GPa through electrical resistance measurements, synchrotron x-ray diffraction, and first-principles calculations. Our findings reveal a non-monotonic pressure dependence of the superconducting transition temperature (Tc), which initially increases before gradually decreases at higher pressures. Synchrotron XRD confirms the structural stability of the cubic phase across the examined pressure range. Theoretical calculations indicate that a vacancy-stabilized model is crucial for understanding these trends, as increased pressure weakens electron-phonon coupling, consistent with experimental results. These insights contribute to a deeper understanding of superconductivity in non-centrosymmetric materials and the broader effects of pressure on superconducting states.