The possible applications of superconducting nanowire networks

Possible applications of superconducting nanowire fiber mats or fabrics are discussed. Such materials are prepared using electrospinning or solution blow-spinning, based on sol–gel derived precursor materials. Firstly, polymer nanowire fiber mats are formed containing the ceramic precursors. During the following heat treatment, the ceramic reaction takes place. These fiber mats exhibit an extremely low weight, but can carry superconducting currents in applied fields up to 10 T, despite their polycrystalline nature. This makes the nanowire fabrics suitable for all applications where the weight of the superconducting material counts. Furthermore, both fabrication techniques are up scalable which is difficult for other preparation techniques.