Transport current density of (Bi_(1.6)Pb_(0.4))Sr_2Ca_2Cu_3O_(10) superconductor added with different nano-sized ZnO

摘要

The (Bi_(1.6)Pb_(0.4))Sr_2Ca_2Cu_3O_(10)ZnO_x (x = 0-0.05 wt%) superconductor with addition of ZnO with average particle size 6 nm and 30 nm was prepared using the co-precipitation method. The ZnO particle size was larger than the coherence length, ξ, and smaller than the penetration depth, λ, of the superconductor. The microstructure, transition temperature (T_c) and transport critical current density (J_C) were studied. SEM micrographs showed a homogeneous distribution of ZnO nanoparticles throughout the samples. J_c of all the ZnO added samples were higher than the non-ZnO added sample. The maximal J_c and T_c were observed when x = 0.02 wt% for both series. J_c (77 K) of the 6-nm ZnO added sample was 46 times larger than the non-ZnO added sample. The 6-nm ZnO added sample also showed higher J_c compared to the 30-nm ZnO added sample. ZnO with size closer to ξ was more effective in enhancing J_c.