Possible influence of band bending on the normal state properties of grain boundaries in high-Tc superconductors

The normal state transport properties of grain boundaries in high-Tc superconductors, of central importance for a large number of electronic applications, still lack a thorough explanation. In this contribution we consider the implications of grain boundaries on the electronic band structures of high-Tc cuprates. It is shown that the normal state properties observed may be caused by depletion layers formed at the interfaces.