Impact of Eu Nanoparticles Substitution for Ca Site in Bi(Pb)-2223 Cuprates Superconductor

Abstract

The sample with nominal composition of Bi1.6Pb0.4Sr2Ca2-xEuxCu3Oy where x = 0.000, 0.0025, 0.020, 0.050 and 0.100 were synthesized through solid state reaction method. The effect of Eu2O3 nanoparticles doping on the superconducting and structural properties were studied by means of critical temperature, TC, critical current density, JC, X-ray diffraction (XRD) and field emission scanning electron microscopy (FESEM). The amount of 2223 phase gradually decreased with the increment of Eu concentration which indicates that Eu nanoparticles substitution at Ca site favours the growth of 2212 phases. The sample with higher porosity was found to be decreased in critical temperature, TC as well as critical current density, JC due to the lack of effective surface area for current flowing. The best superconducting properties were observed at x = 0.0025 substitutes into Ca site for Bi (Pb)-2223 host sample.