Effect of the Er-substitution on critical current density in glass-ceramic Bi2Sr2Ca2(Cu3-xErx)O10+δ superconducting system

Bi2Sr2Ca2Cu3-xErxO10+delta (x=0.0, 0.5 and 1.0) samples were manufactured using conventional glass ceramic technique and their structural, magnetic and flux pinning properties were studied. The onset temperature of diamagnetic signal decreased by the Er-substitution. The x=0.5 Er-substituted sample showed perfect diamagnetism, which is attributed to secondary phases acting as pinning centers in the crystal structure. J(c) of the samples was calculated by using Bean's equation. The highest J(c) value was obtained for x=0.5 Er-substitution. The results suggest that the Er ions in the host material act as pinning centers which lead to the increase of J(c). (C) 2016 Elsevier Ltd and Techna Group S.r.l. All rights reserved.