Fabrication of NdCeCuO and effects of binding agents on the growth, micro-structural and electrical properties

• Published in: Physica. C, Superconductivity Superconductivity, 2011-12, Vol.471 (23), p.1692-1698
• Main Authors: Altin, S., Aksan, M.A., Turkoglu, S., Yakinci, M.E.
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: Acetone; Binding; Binding agent; Condensed matter: electronic structure, electrical, magnetic, and optical properties; Cuprates superconductors (high tc and insulating parent compounds); Electrical properties; Ethyl alcohol; Evaporation; Exact sciences and technology; Grain size; Mathematical analysis; NdCeCuO; Other cuprates; Physics; Superconductivity
• ISSN: 0921-4534; 1873-2143
• DOI: 10.1016/j.physc.2011.09.010

► NdCeCuO system is a superconducting system which is dominated by electrons different from other HTc systems. ► Preparation of the NdCeCuO system under optimum conditions is very important for transport properties. ► Large grains can be obtained in NdCeCuO by employing wet-chemical route. NdCeCuO superconducting samples were fabricated using ethyl alcohol, acetone and ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid (EDTA) as binding agents. For evaporation of binding agents, the samples were heat treated at 1050 °C for 24 h and then at 950 °C for 6–48 h under argon atmosphere to obtain the superconducting phase. The best superconducting performance was found in the sample heat treated at 1050 °C for 24 h and then 950 °C for 12 h which was fabricated by using acetone as binding agent. The T c and T 0 value was found to be ∼25 K and 23.4 K, respectively. Grain size in the samples fabricated was calculated using Scherer equation and SEM data. It was found that grain size strongly depends on the binding agents and heat treatment conditions. Some cracks and voids on the surface of the samples were observed, which influences the superconducting and electrical transport properties of the samples.