Electrospinning synthesis of superconducting BSCCO nanowires

• Bi2Sr2CaCu2O8+x nanowires 150 nm to 250 nm thick are synthesized using the electrospinning.
• Bi2Sr2CaCu2O8+x nanowires are obtained after a heat treatment at 850 °C.
• Bi2Sr2CaCu2O8+x nanowires show a Tc = 78.7 K consistent with bulk superconductor behavior.

This paper presents the synthesis and characterization of Bi2Sr2CaCu2O8+x superconducting nanowires. Bi2Sr2CaCu2O8+x nanowires with a Tc = 78.7 K are synthesized using the electrospinning process employing sol–gel precursors. A sol–gel methodology is used to obtain a homogeneous PVP solution containing Bi, Sr, Ca, and Cu acetates. Mats of randomly oriented nanowires and aligned nanowires are also collected. After a heat treatment at 850 °C in ambient atmosphere using heating rates of 100 and 400 °C/h, fully crystallized Bi2Sr2CaCu2O8+x nanowires are obtained. The morphology, microstructure, and crystal structure of these nanowires are then examined to reveal a rectangular morphology having typical wire thickness in the range of 150–250 nm, and a wire width between 400 and 600 nm. DC magnetization studies are conducted to investigate the critical transition temperature (Tc) of Bi2Sr2CaCu2O8+x nanowires and to compare their magnetic properties to those of bulk Bi2Sr2CaCu2O8+x powder. The Tc for the commercial powder is observed at 78.6 K, and that of the obtained nanowires at 78.7 K. These results point to the superconducting nature of Bi2Sr2CaCu2O8+x nanowires, and the potential of the electrospinning process for the synthesis of this superconductor material.