Identify the microscopic pairing mechanism in CNT@ZSM-5

Determine the microscopic pairing origin responsible for superconductivity in boron-doped ultrathin (2,1) and (3,0) carbon nanotubes embedded in ZSM-5 zeolite (CNT@ZSM-5), establishing whether the pairing is phonon-mediated or arises from alternative electronic interactions.

Background

The paper reports multigap features, high Tc, and a large leading gap consistent with BCS estimates, while theoretical considerations place the Fermi level near van Hove singularities. Despite these indicators, the data do not yet discriminate among possible pairing mechanisms.

Resolving the pairing origin is crucial for understanding the route to high-Tc in carbon-based 1D–3D network systems and for guiding optimization strategies such as doping, pressure, and structural tuning.