Superconducting MgB₂ Nanohelices Grown on Various Substrates

Author

Manashi Nath, Missouri University of Science and TechnologyFollow
B. A. Parkinson

Abstract

Masses of superconducting MgB₂ nanohelices and nanowires were grown on various substrates by reaction of Mg metal with diborane (B₂H₆). The growth occurs via a self-catalyzed vapor-liquid-solid (VLS) mechanism. It is postulated that strain in the wires due to the presence of screw dislocations is responsible for the helical morphology. The several hundred micrometer long helices have a range of diameters and pitch and are made up of wires from 50 to 200 nm in diameter. Magnetic measurements indicate that the helices superconduct below~32 K. These nanohelices could be used to manufacture highly flexible superconducting cables or "nanosolenoids".

Recommended Citation

M. Nath and B. A. Parkinson, "Superconducting MgB₂ Nanohelices Grown on Various Substrates," Journal of the American Chemical Society, vol. 129, no. 37, pp. 11302 - 11303, American Chemical Society (ACS), Sep 2007.

The definitive version is available at https://doi.org/10.1021/ja072475x

Department(s)

Chemistry

Keywords and Phrases

Boron Derivative; Magnesium Derivative; catalysis; Catalyst; Crystal Structure; Electron Diffraction; Scanning Electron Microscope; Superconductor; Surface Property; X Ray Powder Diffraction

International Standard Serial Number (ISSN)

0002-7863

Document Type

Article - Journal

Document Version

Citation

File Type

text

Language(s)

English

Rights

© 2007 American Chemical Society (ACS), All rights reserved.

Publication Date

01 Sep 2007