Research Article
Studying the Effect of Yttrium Concentration on the Structural and Superconducting Properties of YBCO Superconductors
Mozdlifa Bayin Mohamed*,
Mahmoud Hamid Mahmoud Hilo
,
Ahmed Abubaker Mohamed
Issue:
Volume 14, Issue 5, October 2025
Pages:
185-191
Received:
20 July 2025
Accepted:
5 August 2025
Published:
13 September 2025
DOI:
10.11648/j.ijmsa.20251405.11
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Abstract: High-temperature superconductors (HTS) are widely utilized in modern technological applications due to their unique properties, primarily the expulsion of magnetic fields and nearly zero electrical resistance. This study investigates the influence of varying yttrium (Y) concentrations on the structural and superconducting properties of Yttrium Barium Copper Oxide (YBCO) superconductors. Three samples with different Y concentrations (Y = 1.00, 0.90, and 0.80) were synthesized using a solid-state reaction method. The prepared samples were characterized by X-ray diffraction (XRD) and scanning electron microscopy (SEM). XRD results revealed a phase transition from orthorhombic (space group Pmmm) at higher Y concentrations (Y = 1.00 and 0.90) to tetragonal (space group P4/mmm) at Y = 0.80, indicating a deterioration of superconducting properties. SEM analysis showed significant microstructural changes with Y concentration variations. The Y = 0.90 composition demonstrated an optimal balance of grain connectivity and porosity, suggesting it is suitable for high-performance superconducting applications. These findings highlight the critical role of yttrium concentration in tailoring YBCO properties for specific technological uses.
Abstract: High-temperature superconductors (HTS) are widely utilized in modern technological applications due to their unique properties, primarily the expulsion of magnetic fields and nearly zero electrical resistance. This study investigates the influence of varying yttrium (Y) concentrations on the structural and superconducting properties of Yttrium Bari...
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Research Article
Enhanced Functional Properties of Sol-gel Derived ZnO-based Nanocomposite Thin Films Incorporating Ag, TiO2, and Graphene Nanoparticles
Issue:
Volume 14, Issue 5, October 2025
Pages:
192-199
Received:
12 August 2025
Accepted:
21 August 2025
Published:
13 September 2025
DOI:
10.11648/j.ijmsa.20251405.12
Downloads:
Views:
Abstract: This study reports the synthesis and characterization of ZnO-based nanocomposite thin films prepared by the sol-gel method associated with spin coating technique, with incorporation of silver (Ag), titanuim oxide (TiO2), and graphene nanoparticles as functional additive. The aim of this work is to investigate the influence of these nanoinclusions on the structural, optical, and electrical properties of ZnO thin films. X-ray diffraction (XRD) results confirm the retention of the hexagonal wurtzite structure of ZnO, with additional reflections at 38,1°, 44,3°, and 64,4° attributed to Ag, 25,3° and 48 ° to anatase TiO2, and a broad peak near 26° to GO. Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM) analyse reveals enhanced grain connectivity and surface uniformity in composite films. UV-Vis spectroscopy indicates a tunable optical bandgap and improved transmittance in the visible range, especially for TiO2 and graphene-loaded films. Electrical measurements show a significant decrease in resistivity from 4,5*103 Ω.cm (ZnO) to 3,2*102 Ω.cm (ZnO-Ag), 1,7*102 Ω.cm in the ternary composite, with corresponding conductivity up to 5,9*10-3 S/cm and carrier mobility of 7,6 cm2/V.s in Ag and graphene-containing films, attributed to improved charge carrier mobility and percolation pathways. The multifunctional enhancement observed in these ZnO nanocomposites positions them as promising materials for transparent electrodes, photocatalytic devices, and UV photodetectors.
Abstract: This study reports the synthesis and characterization of ZnO-based nanocomposite thin films prepared by the sol-gel method associated with spin coating technique, with incorporation of silver (Ag), titanuim oxide (TiO2), and graphene nanoparticles as functional additive. The aim of this work is to investigate the influence of these nanoinclusions o...
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