Effects of Nb2O5 addition on superconducting properties of BSCCO

The effects of Nb2O5 addition on (Bi, Pb)(2)Sr2Ca2Cu3O10 superconducting polycrystalline samples prepared by conventional solid state reaction method in bulk forms have been investigated. Samples were prepared and then characterized by X-ray diffraction, SEM microstructural analysis, DC electrical, and AC susceptibility measurements. X-ray diffraction analysis shows that both (Bi, Pb)-2223 and Bi-2212 phases coexist in the studied samples. I-V characterization and AC susceptibility measurements reveal that Nb addition increases critical current density. The enhancement of the J(c) may be caused by improvement of the grain connectivity with Nb additions. (c) 2007 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.