High-Tc Superconductors - based Nanocomposites with Improved Intergrain Coupling and Enhanced Bulk Pinning

Heterogeneous sonochemical synthesis was used to modify superconducting properties of granular YBa2Ca3CuO7-y and Bi2Sr2CaCu2O8+x. Sonication of liquid-powder alkane slurries produces material with enhanced intergrain coupling and improved current-carrying capabilities. Co-sonication with metals and organometallics results in highly compact nanocomposites with increased magnetic irreversibility. Ultrasonic irradiation of YBa2Ca3CuO7-y carried under partial oxygen atmosphere produces similar morphological effects and increases superconducting transition temperature due to effective surface saturation with oxygen. Detailed chemical and physical characterization of sonochemically prepared high-Tc nanocomposites is presented.