Electroplating of superconducting films of MgB2 from molten salts

ctical superconducting material for power-electric products such as superconducing tapes because of its high superconducting transition temperature (Tc) of 39 K and its high critical current density (Jc) under magnetic fields. Superconducting films of MgB2 have been, however, fabricated only on planar substrates with areas of several tens of a square centimeter at the largest so far due to the technical limitation of the conventional fabrication methods. In this report, we describe a technique for the fabrication of MgB2 films by means of electrolysis on molten compounds of Mg and B, that is, electroplating of MgB2. Superconducting films of MgB2 with a Tc of 36 K were successfully electroplated on both the planar and curved surfaces using simple installations. The electroplating of MgB2 is expected to open a new route in the field of superconductor engineering because of its ability to fabricate superconducting films on large surfaces of various shapes.