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Separation of paramagnetic and diamagnetic molecules using high-Tc superconducting ceramics

Nature volume 338, pages 330–332 (1989)Cite this article

Abstract

WITH the advent of high-temperature superconductivity, the search is on for applications of these materials. Here we outline a new method for the separation of paramagnetic and diamagnetic molecules using the repulsive interaction between a magnetic dipole and a micro-cavity in a ceramic material which is in the superconducting state. We present experiments of the permeation of air through YBa2Cu3O7−δ and through Bi1.8Pb0.2Ca2Sr2Cu3Ox ceramic pellets. These experiments show the preferential permeability of nitrogen compared with that of oxygen in the diamagnetic state of the superconductors below the critical transition temperature, Tc. This effect is quenched by the application of a large enough external magnetic field. As far as we know it is the first application of the porosity of the ceramic superconductors.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Department of Materials Research, Weizmann Institute of Science, Rehovot, Israel, 76100

    Shimon Reich

  2. State University of New York–ESF, Syracuse, New York, 13210, USA

    Israel Cabasso

Authors
  1. Shimon Reich
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  2. Israel Cabasso
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Reich, S., Cabasso, I. Separation of paramagnetic and diamagnetic molecules using high-Tc superconducting ceramics. Nature 338, 330–332 (1989). https://doi.org/10.1038/338330a0

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