Fabrication of YBa2Cu3O7-δ superconducting nanofibres by electrospinning

Abstract

YBa2Cu3O7-δ superconducting nanofibres were successfully fabricated via the electrospinning method in combination with the sol-gel process. The solution was prepared by the sol-gel process with a homogeneous aqueous PVA solution containing Y, Ba, and Cu acetates. The viscosity of the precursor sol for electrospinning was controlled by the evaporation of solvent and a condensation reaction. The electrospun nanofibres were pyrolysed to remove PVA or volatile components, and then sintered to generate a superconducting phase. The critical transition temperature (Tc) of superconducting YBa2Cu 3O7-δ nanofibres was measured by DC susceptibility tests. By optimizing the electrospinning process and following heat treatments, superconducting YBa2Cu3O7-δ nanofibres with a Tc ≤ 92.2K could be produced. © 2006 IOP Publishing Ltd.