Possible paths to room temperature superconductivity

Room temperature superconductivity (RTS), as one of the jewels on the crown of physics, has attracted continuous attention and unremitting investigations from numerous scientists. In recent years, countless reports on room temperature superconductivity have led to great expectations, but their results are controversial. In this paper, we review the characteristics, assessment, and typical ingredients of superconductivity phenomena, summarize the lessons learnt from previous RTS reports, and propose 10 feasible paths to achieve RTS in the future, based on the author’s personal experiences. The author also expresses some rational opinions on RTS. With the continuous emergence of various new materials in recent years, research progress is bound to accelerate. Even so, we still have to maintain a cautious optimism, carefully examine every piece of scientific evidence, explore all possible practical applications, and aim to achieve greater scientific breakthroughs.