ALD and p-CVD methods to generate MgB2 and MgB2-containing films in the growth temperature range of 250-300° C. The thermal ALD and p-CVD methods shown herein ensure that the high-temperature-induced roughening, which causes high surface resistances in MgB2 coatings grown by the mentioned conventional techniques, is avoided. The MgB2 and MgB2-containing films exhibit superconductive properties at above 20° K.