Fabrication of YBa₂Cu₃O7−δsuperconducting nanofibres by electrospinning

YBa 2 Cu 3 O 7−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 ( T c ) of superconducting YBa 2 Cu 3 O 7−δ nanofibres was measured by DC susceptibility tests. By optimizing the electrospinning process and following heat treatments, superconducting YBa 2 Cu 3 O 7−δ nanofibres with a T c = 92.2 K could be produced.