Superconducting crystallite interfaces with Tc up to 21 K in Bi and Bi-Sb bicrystals of inclination type

Magnetic properties of high quality Bi and Bi1-x-Sb-x (x <= 0.07) bicrystals of inclination type were Studied in the temperature range (1.8-30) K using a quantum design SQUID magnetometer. It is found that the crystallite interfaces of some of these bicrystals show clear evidence for a superconducting transition at much higher critical temperatures (similar to 21 K) than other Bi nanoobjects. (c) 2008 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.