LK99 Superconductor

The LK99 is South Korea's claim of a superconductor that could exist effectively at room temperature. What is a superconductor? Why is this theory so interesting in the tech industry?

A superconductor is a material that, below it's critical temperature, has a resistance of zero. This would then allow for a very high current with a large magnetic field. An electric current in a superconductor can persist indefinitely. You need to have very cold temperatures for this state of superconductivity to work; this can be produced using things like liquid helium, for example.

 South Korea have claimed that the LK99 can work effectively as a superconductor at room temperature. This would be a vast catalyst for the development of technology. It would mean superconductors are more affordable to the masses so therefore could be used in more pieces of tech. We could, for instance, have friction-less trains, allowing shorter travel times without using as much energy.

 However, the LK99 is at this point, just a claim. There is no significant evidence to back this up so whilst this has caused a lot of interest for everyone, it is highly unlikely that it is real.

(Source)