Cryogenics 119 (2021) 103353

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Cryogenics
journal homepage: www.elsevier.com/locate/cryogenics

Structural and superconducting properties of low-density Bi(Pb)-2223

superconductor: Effect of Eu2O3 nanoparticles addition
E.S. Nurbaisyatul a, H. Azhan b, *, N. Ibrahim a, S.F. Saipuddin a, b
a
Faculty of Applied Sciences, Universiti Teknologi MARA Shah Alam, 40450 Shah Alam, Selangor, Malaysia
b
Faculty of Applied Sciences, Universiti Teknologi MARA Pahang, 26400 Bandar Tun Abdul Razak Jengka, Pahang, Malaysia

A R T I C L E I N F O A B S T R A C T

Keywords: This paper presented the result of the structural analysis of Europium, Eu nanoparticles addition in low-density Bi
Bi(Pb)-2223 (Pb)-2223 superconductor. Polycrystalline bulks with nominal composition Bi1.6Pb0.4Sr2Ca2Cu3Oy + xEu2O3
Rare earth nanoparticles samples where x = 0.0, 0.2, 0.4, 0.6 and 0.8 wt% were prepared via solid-state reaction method. Low-density
Porous
samples were created by adding crystalline sucrose into mixed powders and burn at 400 ◦ C for two hours.
Addition
Grain size
The samples were characterized using X-Ray Diffraction (XRD) and Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM) for
structural characterization while resistivity measurement was determined by using four-point probe method.
Phase analysis by XRD indicated that both Bi-2212 and Bi-2223 phases coexist within the samples having a
tetragonal crystal structure. As Eu concentration increases, the amount of Bi-2223 phase slightly decreased which
signifies that Eu nanoparticles favour the growth of Bi-2212 phase. It was observed that the highest Tc and Jc
values for the addition sample found at x = 0.2 wt%.

1. Introduction
Nowadays, researchers have conducted numerous studies to discover
the best materials that can maintain superconductivity at room tem-
perature [1,2]. An extensive search for novel superconductors has been
performed to find the best materials with higher critical temperature, Tc.
Superconducting materials can be classified into three groups which are
metal-based system, copper oxides (cuprates) and iron-based super-
conductors [3]. Among those categories, cuprates exhibit admirable
characteristics due to their strong magnetic field performance, zero
energy losses and current-carrying capacity [4]. BSCCO system is one of
the promising materials that attracted researchers’ attention due to their
great capability to carry electrical current without any resistance. This
system mainly consists of three phases with general formula
Bi2Sr2CanCunO2n+4+y where n = 1, 2 and 3 considering the number of
CuO2 layers in the sub-unit cell respectively. Notably, Bi-2223 phases
more preferable due to the highest critical temperature, Tc (~110 K)
compared to Bi-2201 (~20 K) and Bi-2212 (~90 K) [5]. Different
method of preparation, structural and superconducting properties has
been reported through the experience of past research [6–11]. There are
still lacking in terms of this behaviour although numerous attempts have
been made to further understand the phenomenon of a superconductor.
Besides BSCCO system, there are other classes of oxide high-
temperature superconductor materials such as Y-Ba-Cu-O and Tl-based
family (Tl-Ba-Ca-Cu-O) that are also promising for practical uses. The
YBCO family has unique characteristic that makes them promising for
electronic and magnetic applications, such as particle accelerators,
electronic motors and power transmission and magnetic levitator de-
vices. Meanwhile, Tl-based family consist of different phases which are
Tl-2212, Tl-1223 and Tl-2223 with critical temperature of more than
120 K but have inability in carrying current in wires and tapes due to
incompetence in controlling the crystallographic orientation, grain
boundaries and microcracking [12].
One of the possible ways to increase Jc value is through a low-density
high-temperature superconductor. Low-density samples are also known
as porous samples which have an intermediate medium. According to
previous research, sucrose has been used as an additive to produce
porous surfaces, as it cannot react with the alumina matrix while
burning [13]. Study by Wu, I.J. in 2001 discovered that the Jc values of
the porous YBCO films were higher by at least fifty percent rather than
the free-pores YBCO films even for thick films [14]. One of the bene-
fits of the porous structure is that it enables effective contact to the
sample by applying a silver-conductive paint which then immerses into
the body of the sample, making a deep contact instead of applying just

* Corresponding author.
E-mail address: dazhan@uitm.edu.my (H. Azhan).

https://doi.org/10.1016/j.cryogenics.2021.103353
Received 21 January 2021; Received in revised form 24 August 2021; Accepted 29 August 2021
Available online 2 September 2021
0011-2275/© 2021 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.
E.S. Nurbaisyatul et al. Cryogenics 119 (2021) 103353

on the surface.
Over the past few years, much effort has been taken to prepare the
high Tc Bi-2223 phase superconductors. Several synthesizing techniques
such as the conventional solid state method [15–18], sol–gel method
[19,20] and co-precipitation (COP) method [21,22] have been devel-
oped so that superconductors with desired properties can be obtained.
Unfortunately, a major problem rises from previous study which turned
out to be intergrain weak links leading to a weak critical current density,
Jc. Note that the amount of dopant and additive elements need to be
controlled to improve the Jc values. However, the type of additive used
must be taken into consideration as it either acts as an impurity or
destruct the characteristics of the crystal structure [23]. Normally, the
preparation of BSCCO system always leads to the coexistence of Bi-2212
and Bi-2223 phases despite many attempts to obtain Bi-2223 single
phase.
Subsequently, it is of interest to introduce nano-sized rare earth el-
ements into the porous structure of Bi(Pb)-2223 to increase the con-
nectivity between the grains. In recent years, there is an increasing
interest among researchers to use nanomaterials to improve the super-
conductivity characteristic of the BSCCO system. Numerous studies have
investigated the effect of substitution or addition of nanomaterials into
high-temperature superconductors as demonstrated in [17] and
[24–29]. The latest study by Loudhaief et al. investigated the impact of Fig. 1. Crystal structure of Bi-2223 compound according to the results of
Cadmium Sulfide (CdS) nanoparticles on the superconducting properties VESTA software.
and flux pinning ability in Bi(Pb)-2223 superconductor [30]. Based on
the result obtained, they found that small addition of Cadmium Sulfide SrCaCuO superconductor. The low-density pellets were crushed into
(CdS) nanoparticles (≤0.3 wt%) exhibit the higher critical current powder and Eu2O3 nanopowder were added according to different wt%
densities, Jc and produced strong pinning centres in the Bi(Pb)-2223 (x = 0.0, 0.2, 0.4, 0.6 and 0.8 wt%) and ground again for one hour.
system compared to CdS-free sample. The effect of TiO2 nanoparticles Under the same amount of pressure, the powders were pressed and then
addition into YBCO superconductor has been recently studied by Han- sintered at 850 ◦ C for 48 h.
nachi et al. which revealed that adding 0.1 wt% of TiO2 nanoparticles Analysis of the structure and phase formation was performed at room
allowed a significant improvement in the connectivity between YBCO temperature using X’Pert PRO PANalytical X-ray Diffractometer (XRD)
grains [23]. Hence, this paper aims to study the influence of the nano- in a 2θ range of 5◦ to 90◦ . Meanwhile, the fractured pellet was examined
sized Eu2O3 addition in porous BSCCO compound on the structural and using Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM) and Energy Dispersive X-ray
superconducting properties synthesized by solid-state reaction method. (EDX) to investigate the morphology and elemental composition of the
In this research, we added Eu2O3 nanoparticles to the BSCCO system to sample. The electrical resistance was measured with a current of 20 mA
improve the connectivity between the grains owing to the metallic using the standard four-point probe method over a temperature range of
behaviour of Europium. Different parameters such as lattice parameters, 30 to 300 K controlled using a 12 K closed-cycle He-cryostat system,
hole concentrations, critical temperature (Tc) and critical current den- Lake Shore 9700 Temperature Controller, Keithley 2410 SMU pro-
sity (Jc) were evaluated and compared. grammable current source and Keithley 2182A nanovoltmeter. Four
wire probes were attached on top and side of the surface sample using
2. Methodology Ag-paste where the outer probes carry current, I across the surface while
the two inner probes are the voltages probes which measure the voltage,
In this research, all samples were prepared by the conventional solid- V in between the outer probes. The temperature was measured from 30
state reactions method. The required proportions of raw materials are
weighed of the total weight of 20 g according to BSCCO stoichiometry
which is Bi1.6Pb0.4Sr2Ca2Cu3Oy + xEu2O3 where x = 0.0, 0.2, 0.4, 0.6
and 0.8 wt% by using a sensitive weighing balancing model Setra EL-
200S (±0.0001 g). The solutions of the samples were prepared by
mixing Bi2O3, PbO, SrCO3, CaCO3 and CuO powders according to sto-
chiometric weights with an absolute ethanol (99.5% purity) in milling
jar together with milling balls. The solutions were wet-milled for 24 h to
obtain a well-mixed dark grey slurry. The slurry obtained was dried out
in the oven for six hours at 120 ◦ C. Once it was dried, the grey powder
was scraped off from the beaker and ground for 30 min in a mortar.
There were two calcination processes involved in the making of Bi-2223
sample, both were done in an ambient atmosphere with intermediate
grinding. The grey precursor obtained was placed in an alumina boat
and undergoes pre-calcination process at 800 ◦ C for 15 h. The second
calcination process also subjected to 830 ◦ C for 15 h. The powder was
then weighed into 2 g samples and each were pressed under a pressure of
30 Mpa. For porous samples, the powder was weighed together with
polycrystalline sucrose, C12H22O11 (weight ratio of mixed powder to
sucrose is 1.9500 ± 0.0001 g : 0.0500 ± 0.0001 g). The bulk obtained
were heated at 200 ◦ C for two hours to eliminate the sucrose. The porous Fig. 2. X-ray diffraction patterns of samples with different addition of Eu
pellets were sintered at 850 ◦ C for 48 h to produce a single-phase Bi(Pb) nanoparticles.

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E.S. Nurbaisyatul et al. Cryogenics 119 (2021) 103353

Table 1
Lattice parameter and relative volume fraction of different concentration of Eu2O3 nanoparticles addition on low density Bi-2223 superconductor.
Samples, x (wt%) Lattice parameter [Å] Volume [Å 3] Volume fraction [%] Williamson-Hall

a b c Bi-2223 Bi-2212 Crystallite size (nm) Lattice strain, Cε (x10-3)

0.0 5.394 5.399 37.149 1082.1 88.3 11.7 32.50 2.2

0.2 5.406 5.405 37.169 1086.3 83.1 16.9 47.10 4.3
0.4 5.409 5.403 37.214 1087.7 82.0 18.0 43.37 3.2
0.6 5.404 5.401 37.041 1081.2 70.6 29.4 42.60 2.5
0.8 5.409 5.405 37.062 1083.6 71.1 28.9 43.66 3.3

Fig. 3. Volume fraction of Bi-2212 and Bi-2223 phases for different concen-
tration of Eu nanoparticles addition.

to 300 K where the critical temperature, Tc zero was defined as the

temperature where the resistance starts to diverge from the low-
temperature horizontal line. The XRD peaks intensities that was
observed can be used to calculate the relative volume fractions by using
the following relations:
ΣI(2223)
Bi − 2223 = × 100% (1)
ΣI(2223) + ΣI(2212)

ΣI(2212) Fig. 4. Williamson-Hall (W-H) plots of Bcosθ versus 4sinθ for low density
Bi − 2212 = × 100% (2) Bi1.6Pb0.4Sr2Ca2Cu3Oy + xEu2O3 where x = 0.0, 0.2, 0.4, 0.6 and 0.8 wt%.
ΣI(2223) + ΣI(2212)

where I(2223) and I(2212) refer to the intensities of the Bi-2223 and Bi-
2212 peak, respectively.
3. Result and discussions
Fig. 1 shows the crystal structure of Bi-2223 high-temperature su-
perconductor as presented using the VESTA software. X-ray diffraction
patterns for all samples sintered at 850 ◦ C for 48 h were plotted as shown
in Fig. 2. The formation of Bi-2212 and Bi-2223 phases were determined
through peak matching using Xpert Highscore software. Based on Fig. 2,
the Eu-free sample showed a few peaks of low intensity which belongs to
Bi-2212 phase and major peaks belonging to the Bi-2223 phase. Mean-
while, the consistency of peaks can be seen for x = 0.2, 0.4, 0.6 and 0.8
wt% samples as the mixed phases of Bi-2212 and Bi-2223 were detected.
The peaks for the phases of Bi-2212 and Bi-2223 was indicated by (•)
and (*), respectively. XRD patterns clearly demonstrate that the in-
tensity of Bi-2223 phase increased compared to the Eu-free sample
apparent at peaks (0111), (2012), (2 2 2) at 2θ = 31.02◦ , 44.65◦ and
47.66◦ respectively. The peak of Bi-2212 phase around 2θ = 24.89◦ and
33.64◦ corresponding to (1 1 3) and (0 2 2) respectively increased as Eu
nanoparticles concentration increased.
The lattice parameters of the prepared sample are shown in Table 1,
along with their relative amounts of Bi-2212 and Bi-2223 phases. Using
the least square method, the lattice parameters are calculated through
the distances between atomic layers in a crystal, d and (hkl) planes for a
tetragonal unit cell structure. Meanwhile, the volume fraction of Bi-
2212 and Bi-2223 phases for different concentration of Eu nano-
particles addition was calculated using Eqs. (1) and (2) and depicted in
Fig. 3. Table 1 indicates that both Bi-2212 and Bi-2223 phases were
affaected by the addition of Eu nanoparticles, indicating a reduction in
the volume fraction of the Bi-2223 phase. As can be seen, Bi-2223 peaks
were most prominent in the Eu-free sample. Previous study by Mahtali,
M. and Chamekh, S. mentioned that annealing below 875 ◦ C led to the
formation of the secondary phase with single and multilayer Bi com-
pounds [31]. Besides, the effect of Eu substitution on Ca site in Bi(Pb)-
2223 superconductor prepared via co-precipitation method have been
studied, indicating that Eu-doped sample which is sintered at 850 ◦ C for
48 h produce more Bi-2212 phase as Eu concentration increases [9].
Based on the calculated lattice parameter, all sample exhibit a
tetragonal structure with different values of lattice parameters. The
variation of a and c values for Eu-free and Eu-addition samples has
slightly different as Eu addition increases but the crystal structure re-
mains unchanged. This result shows that Eu particles did not engage in
the host system. It is consistent with previous research where the crystal

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E.S. Nurbaisyatul et al. Cryogenics 119 (2021) 103353

Fig. 5. SEM surface micrographs of low-density Bi1.6Pb0.4Sr2Ca2Cu3Oy + xEu2O3 samples (a) x = 0.0, (b) x = 0.2, (c) x = 0.4, (d) x = 0.6 and (e) × = 0.8 wt%.

structure of Bi-2223 system remains unchanged when adding with Eu to understand the effect of substitution on parameters a and b, since
nanoparticles [9]. Furthermore, the decreases in lattice parameters are these parameters are controlled by the length of the Cu-O bond in the
possibly due to the change in oxygen contents related to the substitution plane [34].
of Eu3+ with higher valence cations [32,33]. It is a very challenging task The crystallite size, D of the sample was estimated by applying

4
E.S. Nurbaisyatul et al.
Fig. 6. Elemental mapping for Bi-2223 sample adding with 0.2 wt% Eu nanoparticles.
Scherer equations [35]:
kλ
D = (3)
Bcosθ
where B is the FWHM of the X-ray peaks, k is a shape factor without
dimension with the value of 0.9, θ is the Bragg angle and λ is the
wavelength of X-ray (1.5406 Å). Whereas, Williamson-Hall (W-H) the-
ory has been used to calculate the lattice strain, Cε for each sample
through equations [36]:
kλ
Bcosθ = 4Cε sinθ + (4)
D composition elements of low-density Bi-2223 added with Er2O3 nano-
It is possible to determine the value of Cε by plotting the graph Bcosθ
versus 4sinθ as shown in Fig. 4. The value of Cε was deduced based on the
slope of linear fitting of the scattered graph. All the obtained D and Cε
values are recorded in Table 1. The crystallite size is slightly increased
for sample with 0.2 wt% compared to the Eu-free sample, suggesting
that Eu2O3 nanoparticles stimulated crystal growth by filling up the
voids within the grain boundary networks in Bi-2223. The development
of lattice strain results from the displacement of the atoms with respect
to their reference positions in the lattice. Clearly, there is no significant
variation found in the lattice strain as the Eu2O3 nanoparticles increases.
The highest Cε value was found at 0.2 wt% sample. These strains might
be resulting from the lattice shrinkage observed in the lattice parameters
calculation [37].
Fig. 5 displays the SEM micrograph of the fractured bulk samples for
Eu-free sample and Eu-added samples at a magnification of 10000 X
with an energy range of 5.00 kV to 10.00 kV. It is observed that the
microstructure of Bi-2223 superconductor exhibit a common flaky
layers of plate-like grains. The SEM images of Eu-free sample shows the
presence of some pores. These pores lead to poor grains connectivity
thus lead to lower Jc values. Furthermore, orientation and grains con-
nectivity for x = 0.8 wt% sample are slightly worsened as the size of
flaky layers start to reduce and form smaller plate-like grains and
distributed randomly without specific alignment. In addition, calcula-
tion of grain size was extracted from this research using Image J soft-
ware by measuring the average length of both sides of the grain. Noted
also the image of Fig. 5 taken at different spot of fractured samples thus
yielded different value of grain size. The findings display that the
maximum grain size for Eu2O3 nanoparticles addition sample is
observed at 0.2 wt%. However, the value of grain size decrease
compared to Eu-free sample might be due to the increasing of grain
boundaries. As grain growth has always been caused by grain boundary
energy, it makes sense that when Eu2O3 nanoparticles were added into
Bi-2223 system, they settle within the pores and the edges of the grains
5
Cryogenics 119 (2021) 103353
thus preventing grain growth. Hence, it is noticeable to conclude that
the reduce in grain size degrade the connectivity between the super-
conducting grains [38]. Alaghbari et al. reported that when grain size
decreases, the weak link increases and ultimately the current can no
longer flow between the grains, resulting in a lower Jc [39]. Meanwhile,
Kir et al. concludes that some randomly distributed large grains reflect
the presence of Bi-2212 phase thus lower the Tc values due to the weak
connectivity between grains [33].
Fig. 6 presents the elemental mapping of Bi-2223 adding with x =
0.2 wt% of Eu indicating that this Bi-2223 addition superconductor
grains consist of Bi, Pb, Sr, Ca, Cu, O and Eu elements. The summary of
particles are tabulated in Table 2. All the elements such as Bismuth,
Lead, Strontium, Calcium, Copper and Europium which have been taken
initially are present in the atomic% with their appropriate amount. From
the results obtained, all the elements are present in the prepared sam-
ples. The presence of Europium nanoparticles in the superconductor
system is confirmed with the increment of the composition of Neo-
dymium from 0 up to 0.26 atomic%, respectively. These results defi-
nitely indicate that the Europium nanoparticles have been successfully
incorporated into the structure of the low-density Bi-2223.
Fig. 7 displays the electrical resistivity versus temperature from 30 K
to 300 K for all the samples. As can be seen, a smooth resistivity curve is
shown for all samples that correspond to Bi-2223 phase one-step tran-
sition. High-temperature superconductors normally exhibit metallic
behaviour in their resistivity up to their onset temperatures, suggesting
that the resistance behaviour in this range is determined by the degree of
electron–phonon interaction [33]. It is known that the Tc onset values
represent the points at which the relationship deviates from the linear
trend, while the Tc offset values is considered the point where the elec-
trical resistance approaches zero [40]. The critical onset temperature, Tc
onset of the samples were 110, 105, 97, 106 and 107 K for x = 0.0, 0.2,
0.4, 0.6 and 0.8 wt% of Eu nanoparticles addition respectively. The
resistivity values corresponding to the Tc onset of the samples are 0.385,
0.550, 0.542, 0.621 and 0.636 Ω cm respectively. From Fig. 7, it is
obvious that the sample with x = 0.8 wt% has the highest Tc onset value
implying the presence of the many high-sized Bi-2212 grains as stated in
XRD analysis. Finding by Kir et al concludes that lower Tc offset values
indicate that there might be a large amount of porosity due to the
randomly oriented larger grains [33].
Table 3 summarizes the data of Tc onset and Tc offset derived from the
resistance versus temperature, R(T) graph. The highest value of Tc offset
can be seen at 99 K for the Eu-free sample and 89 K was measured in the
sample adding with 0.2 wt% of Eu nanoparticles. However, no conclu-
sion can be drawn as to whether intergrain connectivity has improved or
E.S. Nurbaisyatul et al. Cryogenics 119 (2021) 103353

Fig. 6. (continued).

destructed in Tc offset values for 0.6 wt% and 0.8 wt% samples [41]. The occurred for the sample x = 0.6 wt% due to the phase inhomogeneities
difference between Tc onset and Tc offset is known as transition width between grains boundaries [42] and the presence of impurities within
difference, ΔTc = Tc onset - Tc offset. From the result obtained, ΔTc the structure of the samples. Meanwhile, the increment in the transition

6
E.S. Nurbaisyatul et al. Cryogenics 119 (2021) 103353

Fig. 6. (continued).

width difference, ΔTc values as wt% of Eu nanoparticles increase indi-

Table 2
cating that more than one phase is present and the weak links between
Summary of composition elements in low density Bi-2223 superconductor added
superconducting grains is enhanced [9].
with different composition of Eu2O3 nanoparticles.
The theoretical density of the pure BSCCO system is about 6.302 g/
Sample, x (wt%) Element (atomic %) cm3 [38]. We determined the densities of samples according to the
Bi Pb Sr Ca Cu O Eu Archimedes principle by weighing in distilled water and air. The
0.0 11.27 2.60 10.22 13.09 33.08 29.74 0.00 calculated densities are listed in Table 3. The table clearly shows that the
0.2 8.61 1.82 9.42 8.94 16.51 54.62 0.08 density values obtained for addition samples are higher than that of the
0.4 8.86 2.83 9.37 9.47 15.42 53.93 0.12 Eu-free sample. While the maximum density value is attributed to x =
0.6 8.31 2.26 9.02 9.83 13.45 56.95 0.18
0.2 wt%, the smallest density value belongs to the x = 0.4 wt% for the
0.8 8.76 2.22 9.81 9.27 16.67 53.01 0.26
addition sample. The density values obtained are in the range of 78 to
85% compared to the theoretical values.
The variations of the hole-carrier concentration versus Eu content is

Fig. 7. Normalized resistance at room temperature for low density

Bi1.6Pb0.4Sr2Ca2Cu3Oy + xEu2O3 where x = 0.0, 0.2, 0.4, 0.6 and 0.8 wt%.
Fig. 8. Superconductivity transition temperature versus hole concentration.

Table 3
The critical temperatures Tc,onset, Tc,zero, ΔTc and hole concentration of low density Bi1.6Pb0.4Sr2Ca2Cu3Oy + xEu2O3 samples (x = 0.0, 0.2, 0.4, 0.6 and 0.8 wt%).
Samples, x (wt%) Tc onset (K) Tc zero (K) ΔTC (K) Hole concentration, p Grain size (µm) Density, ρ (±0.01 g/cm3) Porosity, P (%)

0.0 110 99 11 0.125 3.678 4.88 22.56

0.2 105 89 15 0.111 1.746 5.38 14.63
0.4 97 74 23 0.097 1.634 4.92 21.93
0.6 106 59 47 0.085 1.552 5.04 20.03
0.8 107 62 45 0.087 1.539 5.25 16.69

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E.S. Nurbaisyatul et al. Cryogenics 119 (2021) 103353

nanoparticles into BSCCO system enhance the Jc values due to the

improvement of the grains connectivity within Eu nanoparticles addi-
tion. Research by Zelati et al. also pointed out the addition of 0.5 wt% of
Dy2O3 nanoparticles into Bi-2223 superconductor increases the Jc values
where nanoparticles settle between the grains thus improve the grains
connectivity [46]. The latest study by Fallah-Arani et al. revealed that
the optimum Jc value for Bi-2223 superconductor adding with Titanium
Dioxide nanorods (TiO2-NR) found at a sample with 0.2 wt% TiO2-NR
content [4].

4. Conclusion

Low-density Bi(Pb)-2223 samples added with different wt% of Eu

nanoparticles were prepared by the standard solid-state reaction
method. The transition temperature changed with the increase of the wt
% of Eu addition. The optimum value of Tc zero for the addition sample
was found at sample x = 0.2 wt%. X-ray diffraction analysis showed both
Bi-2223 and Bi-2212 phases coexisted in the samples with tetragonal
Fig. 9. Variation of critical current density versus temperature.
structure. As the concentration of Eu nanoparticles increased, the vol-
ume fraction calculated from the XRD peaks intensities decreased. All
the elements in the prepared samples were present in the Bi(Pb)-2223
Table 4
Variation of critical current density, Jc at different temperature of system and was comfirmed by EDX analysis. Based on resistivity mea-
Bi1.6Pb0.4Sr2Ca2Cu3Oy + xEu2O3 samples (x = 0.0 , 0.2, 0.4, 0.6 and 0.8 wt%). surements, the highest value of Tc zero and Jc for the Eu-adding sample
corresponded at 0.2 wt% sample. Hole concentrations of the samples
Samples, x (wt%) Critical current density, JC [A/cm2]
were determined from the equation showed decrement as Eu concen-
30 K 40 K 50 K 60 K 70 K tration increases. Hence, the best sample in this study was found at x =
0.0 0.75 0.46 0.34 0.23 0.11 0.2 wt% of Eu nanoparticles as it gives the best critical current density
0.2 7.29 6.82 6.20 5.27 4.19 values compared to the Eu-free sample.
0.4 3.18 3.07 2.61 2.16 1.36
0.6 3.10 2.41 1.10 0.09 –
0.8 2.40 2.03 1.01 – –
Declaration of Competing Interest

depicted in Fig. 8. The hole concentrations shows parabolic relationship The authors declare that they have no known competing financial
dependence on the critical temperature, Tc. The hole concentrations interests or personal relationships that could have appeared to influence
were determined based on the equations given below: the work reported in this paper.

Tc /Tc max = 1 − − 82.6 × (p − −0.16)2 (5)

where p indicates hole concentrations and Tc max for Bi-2223 samples are
considered as 110 K. Previous calculations for the Eu-free Bi-2223
samples had shown that the value of p ranged from 0.116 up to 0.160
[43,44]. Study by Tallon et al. revealed that at p = 0.19 value is where
the superconductivity is most sturdy [45]. Despite the fact that this
research shows a parabolic relationship, the hole concentration values
decrease from 0.125 to 0.087 as Eu addition increases. As suggested by
Presland et al., the holes transferred from the Bi2O2 bilayer was
distributed uniformly onto the three superconducting CuO2 layers in Bi-
2223 phase [43]. Hence, it can be said that the Eu addition reduces the
grain connectivity of the samples thus decreases the Tc offset values.
The critical current density, Jc of the samples was measured in zero
magnetic fields at temperatures ranging from 30 K to 70 K as shown in
Fig. 9 while Jc values are given in Table 4. The critical current density, Jc
values were calculated using the equation:
Ic
Jc =
A cerium doped Bi(Pb)Sr(Ba)-2223 high Tc superconductor. Synth Met 2012;162:
where Ic is critical current (A) and A refer to the cross-sectional area of
the sample (cm2). Based on the result found in Table 4, we can see that Jc
values of the addition sample with x = 0.2 wt% are higher than those of
the other samples. The enhancement in Jc can also be possible due to the
improvement in the intergrain connectivity thus increases the effective
area of the current flow. This result agrees with the SEM images as
shown in Fig. 4. Note that improving of Jc values can also be explained
by increasing of the conductivity between the grains thus introducing
the new effective pinning centers. On the other hand, a similar expla-
nation is discussed by Zelati et al [41] that stated adding Eu2O3
Acknowledgements
The authors wish to thank the Ministry of Higher Education Malaysia
(MOHE) for financial support in carrying out this research through
Fundamental Research Grant Scheme (FRGS) no. 600- RMI/FRGS 5/3
(74/2016).
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