Review on magnesium diboride (MgB2) as excellent superconductor: Effects of the production techniques on the superconducting properties

Abstract

Although there is a wide variety of superconducting materials, only a few of them are suitable for practical applications. Nowadays, low temperature superconductors such as NbTi and Nb₃Sn are widely used. However, after discovery of MgB₂ with its considerably high critical temperature which has a simple crystal structure and cheap raw materials used in its production, renewed interests have emerged for employing MgB₂ in commercial application as well.

This study reports on the effects of production techniques on the superconducting properties of magnesium diboride and includes an introduction to MgB₂, its crystal and electronic structure and basics of superconducting properties. The production techniques would be explained as well as the probable problems during process and the way for optimizing superconducting property of MgB₂. Furthermore, the improvement of superconducting properties by oxygen reduction, doping elements as well as introducing of defects are covered. Finally, effects of starting materials and studies done by our research team in this regard are mentioned.

Keywords

• Magnesium diboride,superconductor,production techniques,properties,MgO reduction,MgB2 doping

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