Pressure induced electronic phase transitions and superconductivity in n-type Bi₂Te₃

Temperature dependent-electrical resistance of n-type Bi2Te3 was investigated under high pressure. Superconductivity was detected at 4.9 GPa with Tc-onset = 2.8 K. Resistance and T-c suggest that there are two electronic phase transitions below 10 GPa. We conjecture that the bulk insulating phase first changes to semimetal and then to metal. The evolution of the Hall coefficient is qualitatively consistent with the proposed electronic phase transition. The origin of superconductivity and topological properties are also discussed. Published by AIP Publishing.