Influence of WO3 nanowires on structural, morphological and flux pinning ability of YBa2Cu3Oy superconductor

The addition of nanosized entities into the superconducting matrix is a practical way for increasing the performance of host YBa2Cu3O7-d (noted Y-123) compound. In this study, series of Y-123 samples with WO3 nanowires (noted NW-WO3) as additives were produced via the solid-state reaction method. The structural, morphological, chemical compositions, electrical and magnetic properties were thoroughly investigated using X-ray diffraction (XRD), scanning electron microscope (SEM) along with EDX system and physical properties measurement system (PPMS), respectively. The critical current density (J(c)) and flux pinning force density (F-p) were extracted from the measurements of magnetization. The XRD, SEM and EDX analyses showed the successful formation of the Y-123 orthorhombic phase. The electrical resistivity measurements proved the occurrence of superconductivity in these samples. The magnetic results showed higher critical current densities and flux pinning ability in NW-WO3 added Y-123 products. The dominant pinning mechanisms and the strength of pinning centers in various sintered products were examined and discussed.