EFFECT OF Zr ADDITION ON Bi1.6Pb0.4Sr2Ca2Cu3Oδ SUPERCONDUCTOR

Abstract

The effect of Zr doping on 2223 phase of BSCCO system with general formula of Bi_1.6Pb_0.4Sr₂Ca₂Cu₃O_δZr_X has been studied via XRD and resistance measurement to determine its crystalline structure and critical temperature, TC respectively. All samples were prepared using conventional solid state reaction technique that involved a series of mixing and grinding. Generally, all samples exhibit metallic behaviour above T_Conset (>108K except in x = 0.2 where T_C-onset ~ 80K). A single-step features was observed in all samples except in x = 0.15 and x = 0.2. The zero-resistance temperature, T_C(R=0) decreased as the content of Zr was increased with the Zr-free recorded the highest value at 100 K while the lowest TC(R=0) was recorded in x = 0.2 with 56 K. The ZrO₂ was incorporated into the crystalline structure of BSCCO system in all samples except for x = 0.15 and x = 0.2. A few peaks of ZrO₂ were detected in the samples. The volume for fraction of 2223:2212 in samples x =0.00 – x =0.10 is approximately 74:26 but drastically decreased to 38:72 in x = 0.15 and x = 0.20. The crystallographic structure remains in tetragonal form where a = b ≠ c. The c-lattice that plays an important role of superconducting properties was not significantly affected by the Zr addition up to x =0.10. However the c-lattice decreased in other samples.