Pressure-induced superconductivity in PdTeI with quasi-one-dimensional PdTe chains

The quasi-one-dimensional material PdTeI exhibits unusual electronic transport properties at ambient pressure. Here, we systematically investigate both the structural and electronic responses of PdTeI to external pressure, through a combination of electrical transport, synchrotron x-ray diffraction (XRD), and Raman spectroscopy measurements. The charge density wave (CDW) order in PdTeI is fragile and the transition temperature TCDW decreases rapidly with the application of external pressure. The resistivity hump is indiscernible when the pressure is increased to 1 GPa. Upon further compression, zero resistance is established above 20 GPa, suggesting the occurrence of superconductivity. Combined XRD and Raman data evidence that the emergence of superconductivity is accompanied by a pressure-induced amorphization of PdTeI.