YBCO Superconductor with Intercalated Calcium
By Huylam
Superconductors show promising applications in future electric grids in that they are capable of conducting electricity with zero resistance. Thus, they have the potential to massively increase the efficiency of current flow, which is applicable to commercial power grids and EV chargers. However, currently discovered superconductors exhibit superconducting properties only at low temperatures or extremely high pressures, with neither environment being practical enough to reproduce on a global scale. Furthermore, ceramic superconductors suffer from brittleness and poor heat dissipation, leading to breakdown caused by thermal stress. Therefore, more research is needed to find ways to address these shortcomings before superconductors can see widespread use. Yttrium-barium-copper-oxide (YBCO) shows desirable superconducting properties such as strong flux pinning, high critical current density, and a high critical temperature that allows cooling using liquid nitrogen. However, its natural brittleness can produce structural defects that weaken such properties. Therefore, this project will attempt to introduce calcium into the YBCO crystal lattice that will enhance its structural integrity while maintaining its superconducting properties.
Intellectual Merit The project will further explore how external materials can interact with YBCO crystals in ways that support superconducting. It can suggest standout materials for this purpose for further experimentation.
Broader Impact Research in materials science will contribute to overall knowledge needed to eventually create a room-temperature superconductor that can be used practically across different applications, from the power grid to computing. This would also reduce the need for cooling in circuitry.