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

• Main Authors: Mohamed, Arebat Ryad Alhadei, Awang Kechik, Mohd Mustafa, Kien, Chen Soo, Pah, Lim Kean, Baqiah, Hussien, Mohd Shariff, Khairul Khaizi, Hong, Yap Siew, Peh, Hoo Keong, Shaari, Abdul Halim, Humaidi, Syahrul, Miryala, Muralidhar
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Published: Springer Science and Business Media 2024
• Online Access: http://psasir.upm.edu.my/id/eprint/113813/1/113813.pdf; http://psasir.upm.edu.my/id/eprint/113813/; https://link.springer.com/article/10.1007/s00339-024-08035-z

Polycrystalline YBa2Cu3O7−δ (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 (~ 0.008) for the Y-123 crystal structure, and an estimated oxygen content close to the theoretical value (~ 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 ΔTc of 4.04 K. In contrast, the higher 5.0 wt.% Nd2O3 concentration resulted in a broader ΔTc 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.