Development of modified TFA-MOD approach for GdBa2Cu3Oy film growth

GdBa2Cu3Oy (GdBCO) films have been fabricated by metal organic deposition with a benzoic acid modified trifluoroacetates solution. Attributed to this new solution, smooth and homogeneous surface of precursor film can been obtained in a rapid pyrolysis process, during which the pyrolysis time is less than 2 h. The crystallized multi-coated films show a desirable dense microstructure and a good c-axis texture. Both the texture degree and critical current density (Jc) of GdBCO films are greatly influenced by the thickness. Meanwhile, the decreases of Jc for multi-coated films can also be partially related to the presence of second phase and the poor texture. The GdBCO film obtained with two coatings cycles (700 nm) has demonstrated a good performance with Jc (77 K, self field)=2 MA/cm2.

► GdBCO films have been fabricated by a benzoic acid modified TFA-MOD approach.
► The new modified solution is beneficial to obtain a smooth and homogeneous surface in fast pyrolysis process.
► The crystallized multi-coated films show a desirable dense microstructure.
► GdBCO film (thickness=700 nm) has demonstrated a good performance (Jc=2 MA/cm2).