| Abstract: | In the iron-based high-T_c bulk superconductors, T_c above 50 K was only observed in the electron-doped 1111-type compounds. Here we revisit the electron-doped SmFeAsO polycrystals to make a further investigation for the highest T_c in these materials. To introduce more electron carriers and less crystal lattice distortions, we study the Th and F codoping effects into the Sm-O layers with heavy electron doping. Dozens of Sm_(1-x)Th_x FeAsO_(1-y)F_y samples are synthesized through the solid state reaction method, and these samples are carefully characterized by the structural, resistive, and magnetic measurements. We find that the codoping of Th and F clearly enhances the superconducting T_c more than the Th or F single-doped samples, with the highest record T_c up to 58.6 K when x=0.2 and y=0.225. Further element doping causes more impurities and lattice distortions in the samples with a weakened superconductivity. |
