Method for electrochemical synthesis of superconducting boron compound MgB

1. A method for electrochemical synthesis of a superconducting boron compound MgB 2 , which comprises the steps of:

preparing a powder mixture of magnesium chloride, sodium chloride, potassium chloride and magnesium borate at a molar ratio of 10:(10−x):x:2, wherein x is between 3 and 7;

putting the powder mixture into a reaction vessel having a platinum wire at one end and a carbon rod at an opposite end, said platinum wire being connected to the negative electrode of a direct current via a gold wire fixed to the platinum wire and said carbon rod being connected to the positive electrode of the power supply via a gold wire fixed to the carbon rod;

heating the reaction vessel at a temperature of 400° C. or below under an inert gas atmosphere to dry the powder mixture;

heating the reaction vessel at a temperature of 400° C. or above under an inert gas atmosphere to melt the powder mixture and;

applying a direct current voltage through the power supply to the two gold wires to establish current in the powder and precipitate superconducting boron compound MgB 2 onto the platinum wire.

2. The method of claim 1 wherein the reaction vessel is heated to a temperature between 400 and 800° C. to melt the powder mixture.

3. The method of claim 2 wherein the reaction vessel is heated to a temperature between 400 and 700° C. to melt the powder mixture.

4. The method of claim 3 wherein the reaction vessel is heated to a temperature between 400 and 600° C. to melt the powder mixture.

5. The method of claim 1 wherein the inert atmosphere comprises argon.

6. The method of claim 2 wherein the inert atmosphere comprises argon.

7. The method of claim 3 wherein the inert atmosphere comprises argon.

8. The method of claim 4 wherein the inert atmosphere comprises argon.