Enhancing superconducting properties of YBa2Cu3O7-δ through Nd2O3 addition prepared using modified thermal decomposition method

• Published in: APPLIED PHYSICS A-MATERIALS SCIENCE & PROCESSING
• Main Authors: Mohamed, Arebat Ryad Alhadei; Kechik, Mohd Mustafa Awang; Kien, Chen Soo; Pah, Lim Kean; Baqiah, Hussien; Shariff, Khairul Khaizi Mohd; Hong, Yap Siew; Peh, Hoo Keong; Shaari, Abdul Halim; Humaidi, Syahrul; Miryala, Muralidhar
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Published: SPRINGER HEIDELBERG 2024
• Subjects: Materials Science; Physics
• Online Access: https://www-webofscience-com.uitm.idm.oclc.org/wos/woscc/full-record/WOS:001357327100004
• ISSN: 0947-8396; 1432-0630
• DOI: 10.1007/s00339-024-08035-z

Polycrystalline YBa2Cu3O7- delta (Y-123) samples with different varying weight percentages (x = 0.0, 0.1, 0.3, 0.5, 1.0, and 5.0 wt.%) of neodymium oxide (Nd2O3) addition have been successfully synthesized using a modified thermal decomposition method (DM) under ambient conditions. X-ray diffraction (XRD) analysis revealed favorable orthorhombicity values (similar to 0.008) for the Y-123 crystal structure, and an estimated oxygen content close to the theoretical value (similar to 6.8), along with the presence of light secondary phases such as Y2BaCuO5 (Y-211) and BaCuO2. For FESEM analysis, it was found that 5.0 wt.% Nd2O3 increased porosity and reduced grain size, negatively impacting superconductivity. Conversely, 0.5 wt.% Nd2O3 promoted significant grain growth, leading to enhanced grain contact and a denser microstructure. Electrical resistivity measurements confirmed superconducting transitions in all samples. Notably, the 0.5 wt.% Nd2O3 sample exhibited an optimal Tc-onset of 94.14 K with a narrow transition width Delta T-c of 4.04 K. In contrast, the higher 5.0 wt.% Nd2O3 concentration resulted in a broader Delta T-c of 7.47 K, suggesting the lower doping provided more optimal superconducting performance. AC susceptibility measurements corroborated these findings. This DM method offers a cost-effective approach for Y-123 synthesis, with potential for further optimization through alkali metal doping to reduce costs and environmental impact.