Enhanced flux pinning in MOD-YBCO films with co-doping of BaZrO3 and Y2O3 nanoparticles

A combined BaZrO3 (BZO) and Y2O3 nanoparticles has been achieved in YBa2Cu3O7−x (YBCO) films by metalorganic deposition using trifluoroacetates (TFA-MOD). The formation of integrated nanoparticles increases the critical current density (Jc) of Y2O3/BZO doped-YBCO films while keeping the critical transition temperature (Tc) close to that in the pure YBCO films. The YBCO film with 7.0 mol.% BZO and 7.0 mol.% Y2O3 showed Tc value of 90 K and Jc value of 6.5 mA/cm2 at self-field (0 T, 77 K). The strongly enhanced flux pinning over a wide range of magnetic field can be attributed to the combined different crystal structures of BZO and Y2O3 created by optimized TFA-MOD conditions.

► A combined BaZrO3 and Y2O3 nanoparticles has been achieved in YBa2Cu3O7−x films by metalorganic deposition using trifluoroacetates.
► These nanoparticles can act as effective flux pinning.
► The critical current density of the BaZrO3/Y2O3-doped YBCO film in magnetic fields up to 8 T.