Nano-Ni addition to MgB2: effects on the superconducting properties

Abstract

Samples of MgB2 pure phase, with Ni nanoparticles addition, were prepared using a solid diffusion reaction method. Clearly, the Ni nanoparticles act as effective pinning centers and enhance the critical current density values, especially for a sample with 0.5%Ni. A negligible amount of Ni diffuses inside the MgB2 grains, thus having a small effect on the transition temperature, which remains around 37.5 K.