Review on the state-of-the-art and challenges in the MgB2 component manufacturing for superconducting applications

Since the discovery of MgB₂ as a superconductor, several research groups worldwide have studied the superconducting mechanisms due to the dual gap nature of MgB₂, as well as attempted to produce such a compound in wires, tapes, bulks, and thin films for a plethora of applications. While MgB₂ carries the promise of replacing Niobium-based superconductors in low-field applications, less-than-desirable performance and in-operation stability has slowed down such a progress. While the properties and nature of the superconductivity of MgB₂ are fairly known, the reproduction of its properties at manufacturing scales remains an unsolved problem. Therefore, this manuscript presents a systematic review on fundamental properties, phase formation, growth kinetics, and superconducting properties of MgB₂-based components such as multi- and mono-core wires, bulks, and thin films. Advances, challenges, and shortcomings are utilized in consolidating research questions and directions pertaining to the manufacturing of MgB₂ superconducting devices. Lastly, we evaluate the technological readiness of MgB₂-based devices for applications in fusion energy systems.