Electrochemical applications superconductors

The high reactivity of copper superconductors is a large obstacle to their practical application. Many spectroscopic studies have been devised to investigate the surface chemistry of these materials, but electrochemical investigations can also be important. 

For example, Conway, B. E. Electrochemical Superconductors, Scientific Fundamentals and Technological Applications, Kluwer Academic/Plenum Publishers, New York, 1999. 

Summary. Electrochemical nanotechnology and its analytical and preparative aspects using local probe techniques such as STM and AFM are described. Typical examples for in-situ application of local probe methods in different electrochemical systems are discussed UPD and OPD of metals and nanostructuring of metal, semiconductor, and superconductor surfeces. 

The development of local probe techniques such as Scanning Tunneling Microscopy (STM) or Atomic Force Microscopy (AFM) and related methods during the past fifteen years (Nobel price for physics 1986 to H. Rohrer and G. Binning) has opened a new window to locally study of interface phenomena on solid state surfaces (metals, semiconductors, superconductors, polymers, ionic conductors, insulators etc.) at an atomic level. The in-situ application of local probe methods in different systems (UHV, gas, or electrochemical conditions) belongs to modem nanotechnology and has two different aspects. 

Because of this environmental degradation problem, it is difficult to obtain clean high-Tc superconductor surfaces, a key element for both electrochemical and electronic applications. However, a bulk ceramic superconductor sample can be renewed simply by polishing its surface. Such treatments have been shown to dramatically improve the electrochemical performance of YBa Cu307- electrodes [19]. However, thin films of YBa Cu307- do not lend themselves to this type of treatment. One technique that has been employed to improve the surface of old or damaged thin films of... 

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