Low-Cost Approaches for Flux-Pinning Enhancements in YBCO Films Using Solution Processing

Nanoparticles of several oxides have been synthesized using reverse micelle process. Microemulsions containing n-octane as the oil phase, cetyl trimethylammonium bromide and 1-butanol as surfactants, and an aqueous solution of metal nitrates and sodium hydroxide were used as the reaction medium. The nanoparticles obtained were characterized using differential thermal analysis, X-ray diffraction, and transmission electron microscopy. The application of these particles for flux-pinning enhancements has been studied.