Synthesis of Nano Size $BaCeO_3$ as an Effective Flux Pining Center for YBCO Superconductor

YBCO 초전도체의 효과적인 플럭스 피닝 센터로서의 나노 크기 $BaCeO_3$ 합성

In this work, nano size $BaCeO_3$, which is a possible flux pinning medium of melt processed $YBa_{2}Cu_{3}O_x$ superconductor, was synthesized by the conventional solid state reaction method using powders. $BaCeO_3$ and $CeO_2$ were mixed thoroughly using a ball milling for 24 hours and calcined at $1200^{\circ}C$ for 5 hours for the formation $BaCeO_3$ powder. The obtained $BaCeO_3$ powder was attrition milled at various milling times of 60 min, 120 min and 240 min. The $BaCeO_3$ powders of various milling times were mixed with $YBa_{2}Cu_{3}O_x$ powder. Seed melt processed $YBa_{2}Cu_{3}O_x$-$BaCeO_3$ (15wt.%) superconductors were prepared and the superconducting properties were investigated. It was found that $T_c$ of $Y_{1.5}Ba_{2}Cu_{3}O_x$ samples was not significantly affected by $BaCeO_3$ addition, but $J_c$ of samples was increased by $BaCeO_3$ addition. The $J_c$ improvement by fine $BaCeO_3$ powder (120 min attrition-milled) was effective at low magnetic fields less than 2 T.