The discovery of superconductivity in magnesium diboride (T_c approx= 40 K), announced in January 2001, stimulated intensive research into the nature of superconductivity and electrophysical, magnetic and thermodynamic properties and spectroscopic characteristics of MgB_2 and related compounds. The review concerns methods for the synthesis of new MgB_2-based superconductors with more complex chemical composition. Particular emphasis is placed on the results of investigations on the electronic structure and peculiarities of chemical bonding in these compounds. Materials science aspects of practical utilisation of materials based on the new superconductor are analysed. main results of theoretical and experimental studies in the abovementioned fields are generalised. The bibliography includes 228 references.
展开▼
