Quantum Composites with the Functionality Defined by the Charge-Density-Wave Phase Transitions

Abstract: We demonstrate a unique class of advanced materials - quantum composites based on polymers with fillers comprised of a van der Waals quantum material that reveals multiple charge-density-wave quantum condensate phases. Materials that exhibit quantum phenomena are typically crystalline, pure, and have few defects because disorder destroys the coherence of the electrons and phonons, leading to collapses of the quantum states. We succeeded in preserving the macroscopic charge-density-wave phases of filler particles after multiple composite processing steps. The prepared composites manifest strong charge-density-wave phenomena even above room temperature. The dielectric constant experiences more than two orders of magnitude enhancement while the material maintains its electrically insulating properties, opening a venue for advanced applications in energy storage and electronics. The results present a conceptually different approach for engineering the properties of materials, extending the application domain for van der Waals materials.