Materials process and applications of single grain (RE)–Ba–Cu–O bulk high-temperature superconductors

This paper reviews recent advances in the melt process of (RE)–Ba–Cu–O [(RE)BCO, where RE represents a rare earth element] single grain high-temperature superconductors (HTSs), bulks and its applications. The efforts on the improvement of the magnetic flux pinning with employing the top-seeded melt-growth process technique and using a seeded infiltration and growth process are discussed. Which including various chemical doping strategies and controlled pushing effect based on the peritectic reaction of (RE)BCO. The typical experiment results, such as the largest single domain bulk, the clear TEM observations and the significant critical current density, are summarized together with the magnetization techniques. Finally, we highlight the recent prominent progress of HTS bulk applications, including Maglev, flywheel, power device, magnetic drug delivery system and magnetic resonance devices.

► Advances in the melt growth of (RE)–Ba–Cu–O single grain bulk HTS are reviewed.
► Strategy in enhanced flux pinning in bulk HTS is summarized.
► HTS bulk for a variety of electric power machines applications is described.