Ding Fazhu

Strong flux pinning enhancement in YBa2Cu3O7−x films by embedded BaZrO3 and BaTiO3 nanoparticles

YBa2Cu3O7−x (YBCO) films with embedded BaZrO3 and BaTiO3 nanoparticles were fabricated by metalorganic deposition using trifluoroacetates (TFA-MOD). Both X-ray diffraction and transmission electron microscopy revealed that these BaZrO3 and BaTiO3 nanoparticles had random orientations and were distributed stochastically in the YBCO matrix. The unique combined microstructure enhances the critical current density (Jc) of the BaZrO3/BaTiO3 doped-YBCO films, while keeping the critical transition temperature (Tc) close to that in the pure YBCO films. These results indicate that BaZrO3 and BaTiO3 nanoparticles provide strong flux pinning in YBCO films.

Strongly enhanced flux pinning in the YBa2Cu3O7 −x films with the co-doping of BaTiO3 nanorod and Y2O3 nanoparticles at 65 K*

YBa2Cu3O7 − x (YBCO) films with co-doping BaTiO3 (BTO) and Y2O3 nanostructures were prepared by metal organic deposition using trifluoroacetates (TFA-MOD). The properties of the BTO/Y2O3 co-doped YBCO films with different excess yttrium have been systematically studied by x-ray diffraction (XRD), Raman spectra, and scanning electron microscope (SEM). The optimized content of yttrium excess in the BTO/Y2O3 co-doped YBCO films is 10 mol.%, and the critical current density is as high as ~17 mA/cm2 (self-field, 65 K) by the magnetic signal. In addition, the Y2Cu2O5 was formed when the content of yttrium excess increases to 24 mol.%, which may result in the deterioration of the superconducting properties and the microstructure. The unique combination of the different types of nanostructures of BTO and Y2O3 in the doped YBCO films, compared with the pure YBCO films and BTO doped YBCO films, enhances the critical current density (JC) not only at the self-magnetic field, but also in the applied magnetic field.

Effects of thickness on superconducting properties and structures of Y2O3/BZO-doped MOD-YBCO films

We report the thickness dependence of critical current density (Jc) in YBa2Cu3O7−x (YBCO) films with BaZrO3 (BZO) and Y2O3 additions grown on single crystal LaAlO3 substrates by metalorganic deposition using trifluoroacetates (TFA-MOD). Comparing with pure YBCO films, the Jc of BZO/Y2O3-doped YBCO films was significantly enhanced. It was also found that with the increase of the thickness of YBCO film from 0.25 μm to 1.5 μm, the Ic of BZO/Y2O3-doped YBCO film increased from 130 A/cm to 250 A/cm and yet Jc of YBCO film decreased from 6.5 MA/cm2 to 2.5 M A/cm2. The thick BZO/Y2O3-doped MOD-YBCO film showed lower Jc, which is mainly attributed to the formation of a-axis grains and pores.

Precursor evolution and growth mechanism of BTO/YBCO films by TFA—MOD process

In this study, BaTiO3 (BTO)-doped YBCO films are prepared on LaAlO3 (100) single-crystal substrates by metal—organic decomposition (MOD) using trifluoroacetate (TFA) precursor solutions. The critical current density (Jc) of BTO/YBCO film is as high as 10 MA/cm2 (77 K, 0 T). The BTO peak is found in the X-ray diffraction (XRD) pattern of a final YBCO superconductivity film. Moreover, a comprehensive study of the precursor evolution is conducted mainly by X-ray analysis and μ-Raman spectroscopy. It is found that the TFA begins to decompose at the beginning of the thermal process, and then further decomposes as temperature increases, and at 700 °C BTO nanoparticles begin to appear. It suggests that the YBCO film embedded with BTO nanoparticles, whose critical current density (Jc) is enhanced, is successfully prepared by an easily scalable chemical solution deposition technique.