Nano-tin(IV) oxide addition effects on the transport and AC susceptibility parameters of Bi1.6Pb0.4Sr2CaCu2O8 superconductor

The effect of nanosized SnO2 (50 nm) on phase, electrical properties, and AC susceptibility of Bi1.6Pb0.4Sr2CaCu2O8(SnO2)(x) (x = 0 to 2.5 wt%) is reported. All samples showed a single Bi1.6Pb0.4Sr2CaCu2O8 (Bi-2212) phase (> 97%). This showed that nano-SnO2 can be employed to promote the formation of a single Bi-2212 phase. The x = 0-2.0 wt% samples exhibited higher onset critical temperatures (Tc-onset = 80-83 K). The x = 2.5 wt% samples exhibited the lowest Tc-onset (79 K) but the highest peak temperature, T-p (68 K) of the imaginary part of the AC susceptibility. This sample (x = 2.5 wt%) also showed the highest maximum Josephson current and Josephson coupling energy calculated using the AC susceptibility data. Although the transition temperature of the x = 2.5 wt% sample was lowered, its other transport properties were improved. These results indicated a positive role of nano-SnO2 in Bi1.6Pb0.4Sr2CaCu2O8 superconductor and for high magnetic fields application at low temperatures.