Superconducting NbSe2 nanowires and nanoribbons converted from NbSe3 nanostructures -: art. no. 142506

We describe the synthesis of superconducting NbSe2 nanowires and nanoribbons by the nondestructive removal of Se from one-dimensional NbSe3 nanostructure precursors. We report scanning electron microscopy imaging, x-ray diffraction, and transmission electron microscopy analyses of the morphology, composition, and crystallinity of the converted NbSe2 nanostructures. Transport measurements on individual nanowires/ribbons confirm their superconductivity with T-c similar to 7.2 K, and the appearance of current-induced resistance steps is attributed to localized phase slip centers, akin to those reported in other superconducting nanostructures. (C) 2005 American Institute of Physics.