ReBCO Nanoparticle Composite for Higher Current Under Magnetic Fields
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Solution Overview
Problem
Polycrystalline YBa2Cu3O7−δ (YBCO) superconductors have weakly coupled grains due to Josephson junctions, leading to reduced critical current density when exposed to external magnetic fields, limiting their practical applications.
Innovation Solution
Incorporation of 0.01 to 0.5 wt.% tungsten trioxide (WO3) and 0.01 to 0.5 wt.% barium titanate (BaTiO3) nanoparticles within the YBCO matrix, dispersed at grain boundaries, enhances grain coupling and improves critical current density.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Temperature
If polycrystalline YBCO is used as a superconducting material, then it exhibits a critical temperature transition exceeding liquid nitrogen temperature, but the grains are weakly coupled with Josephson junctions leading to reduced critical current density under external magnetic fields
Solution Approach 1:
The patent creates a composite superconducting material by incorporating non-superconducting nanoparticle inclusions (such as Y2O3, BaZrO3, or BaHfO3) within the YBCO matrix. These inclusions form a composite structure where the YBCO grains remain superconducting but are separated and pinned by the non-superconducting particles, transforming the weakly coupled polycrystalline structure into a strongly coupled composite structure that maintains high critical current density under magnetic fields.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies local quality by introducing specific nanoparticle inclusions at controlled locations within the YBCO matrix. The inclusions are distributed throughout the matrix to create localized pinning centers at grain boundaries and within grains, enhancing the local coupling strength between superconducting grains while maintaining the overall superconducting properties of the material.
2Reliability
If nanoparticles are incorporated into the YBCO matrix to enhance grain coupling, then critical current density improves, but the manufacturing process complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs preliminary action by pre-synthesizing the nanoparticle inclusions (Y2O3, BaZrO3, or BaHfO3) separately before incorporating them into the YBCO matrix. This allows the inclusions to be prepared under optimized conditions and then integrated into the superconducting matrix through controlled processing steps, simplifying the overall manufacturing process compared to attempting to form both the matrix and inclusions simultaneously.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent utilizes parameter changes by controlling the size, concentration, and distribution of the nanoparticle inclusions within the YBCO matrix. By adjusting parameters such as inclusion size (nanoscale), concentration (optimally distributed), and spatial arrangement, the material achieves enhanced critical current density while maintaining a relatively simple manufacturing process that can be implemented through standard ceramic processing techniques.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
The modified YBCO material exhibits enhanced critical current density (Jc(0)) of 0.01×104 to 0.50×104 A·cm−2 and higher superconducting transition temperature (65 to 90 K), improving its performance under magnetic fields.
Implementation Method 1
The polycrystalline YBCO consists of clusters of grains weakly coupled with the Josephson junctions. The Josephson junctions impair the value of critical current density when an external magnetic field is applied.
Implementation Method 2
Intergranular properties of polycrystalline YBa2Cu3O7−δ superconductor added with nanoparticles of WO3 and BaTiO3 as artificial pinning centers
Data Source
AI summary
A superconducting material is described. The superconducting material includes a rare-earth barium copper oxide (ReBCO) matrix, 0.01 to 0.5 weight percentage (wt. %), WO3 nanoparticles, based on the total weight of superconducting material, and 0.01 to 0.5 wt. % barium titanate nanoparticles, based on the total weight of superconducting material. A method of making superconducting material is also described. The method includes mixing WO3 nanoparticles, barium titanate nanoparticles, and ReBCO particles to form a particulate mixture; pressing the particulate mixture at a pressure of 500 to 1000 megapascals (MPa) to form a solid sample; and heating the solid sample at 800 to 1100 degrees centigrade (° C.) for 1 to 24 hours to form the superconducting material.