Biomimetic synthesis of high-Tc, type-II superconductor nanowires

Chitosan from crab shells is used to control the synthesis of superconductors. The morphological control over crystallization provided by the chitosan matrix during calcination allows the production of nanowires of the high-T-c superconductor Y124 (YBa2CU4O8). SQUID magnetometry of these nanowires indicates that the high T, is successfully retained in this highly anisotropic and technologically important morphology.