Introducing multi-source pinning centers into Y–Ba–Cu–O superconductor through addition of BiFeO3 nano-particles

Abstract

Chemical doping of BiFeO3 (BFO) nano-particles in Y–Ba–Cu–O (YBCO) superconductor was performed using the powder melt and infiltration growth (PM-IG) technique. The results indicate that improved superconducting properties have been observed in 0.2wt% nano-BFO doped sample. The X-ray diffraction (XRD) result performed on the ground powder of 5wt% nano-BFO doped YBCO grain proves the decomposition of BFO phase during the PM-IG process and the formation of Y2Ba4CuBiOy (YBi-2411) phase. Consequently, the addition of BFO could introduce multi-source pinning centers, i.e. YBi-2411 nanoscale particles and Fe element substitutions, which accounts for the improvement in superconducting properties.