Method and etchant to join ag-clad BSSCO superconducting tape

A method of removing a silver cladding from high temperature superconducting material clad in silver (HTS) is disclosed. The silver clad HTS is contacted with an aqueous solution of HNO3 followed by an aqueous solution of NH4OH and H2O2 for a time sufficient to remove the silver cladding from the superconducting material without adversely affecting the superconducting properties of the superconducting material. A portion of the silver cladding may be masked with a material chemically impervious to HNO3 and to a combination of NH4OH and H2O2 to preserve the Ag coating. A silver clad superconductor is disclosed, made in accordance with the method discussed.