Sign in Subscribe
Technical institutes

Enhancing Grain Connectivity in Bi-Based Superconductors with Nanoparticles

Strategic Insights

— 1 min read

Researchers from the University of Technology in Dengkil, Selangor, Malaysia, have made significant findings in the field of nanotechnology, exploring the effects of nano-sized Ni0.5Zn0.5Fe2O4 (NZFO) addition on the superconducting properties of Bi1.6Pb0.4Sr2CaCu2O8 (Bi-2212) samples. Their study, funded by Universiti Teknologi MARA, demonstrates the potential of NZFO nanoparticles as an effective flux pinning center for Bi-based superconductors.

Key Takeaways:

  • The researchers investigated the effects of NZFO addition on the superconducting properties of Bi-2212 samples prepared using the solid-state reaction method.
  • The addition of NZFO up to 0.5 wt% led to noticeable microstructural changes, with the x = 0.06-0.08 wt% samples showing the highest intergrain peak temperatures, Josephson current, and Josephson coupling energy.
  • The NZFO addition did not significantly suppress the intra- and intergrain characteristics of the Bi-2212 phase, with the x = 0.06-0.08 wt% samples exhibiting the highest transition temperatures and Bi-2212 phase volume fraction.
  • The study highlights the potential of NZFO nanoparticles as an effective flux pinning center for Bi-based superconductors.

Statistics:

  • The researchers found that the resistance versus temperature measurements showed Tc-onset and zero transition temperature, Tc-zero for all samples ranging between 72 and 82 K, and 55 and 70 K, respectively.
  • The SEM analysis revealed noticeable microstructural changes with higher additions of nano-sized NZFO.
  • The x = 0.06-0.08 wt% samples showed the highest intergrain peak temperatures, Josephson current, and Josephson coupling energy, with a reduction in transition temperatures and Bi-2212 phase volume fraction.

Sources:

  • Influence of Ni 0.5 zn 0.5 fe 2 o 4 Nanoparticles On the Superconducting Properties and Ac Susceptibility of Bi 1.6 pb 0.7 sr 2 cacu 2 o 8 Superconductor. Applied Physics A, 2025;131(5).
  • NewsRx. New Findings in Nanoparticles Described from University of Technology (Influence of Ni 0.5 zn 0.5 fe 2 o 4 Nanoparticles On the Superconducting Properties and Ac Susceptibility of ...). Nanotechnology Weekly. May 12, 2025; p 693.

Read more