Improved Critical Current Density and Magnetic Properties of Pr6O11-doped MgB2 Bulks Synthesized by Mg-diffusion Method

Abstract

The effects of the addition of Pr6O11 nanopowder on the critical current density (Jc), irreversible field (Hirr) and upper critical field (Hc2) of the MgB2 bulks prepared by a Mg-diffusion method were investigated. The results show that the Pr6O11 nanopowder doping can significantly enhance the Jc, Hirr and Hc2 of the MgB2 bulks, but has little effect on the superconducting transition temperature (Tc). At 20 K in a self-field, the Jc value of the 1 wt% Pr6O11-doped MgB2 sample is 3.61×105 A/cm2, which is nearly 5 times larger than that of the undoped sample. In addition, at 10 K, the Hc2 and Hirr of the bulk increase by 1.9 and 2.6 T, respectively. The effect of Pr6O11-doping on superconductivity and flux pinning mechanism was also discussed.