High Performance, Simplified, Low-Cost Buffer Layer for Coated Conductor

Currently-used buffer layers for second generation (2G), High Temperature Superconducting (HTS) coated conductors, needed for the modernization and expansion America¿s electricity delivery system, usually contain 3 to 5 layers of different thicknesses, making it slow and complicated for practical conductor fabrication at a reasonable production cost. For the YBCO coated conductor, the use of MgO as a multifunctional single layer buffer, applied via inclined substrate deposition (ISD), has been shown to be a simple, fast, and low cost process; however, high performance has not been achieved because of the sensitivity of MgO to water vapor. This project will use ISD to produce a textured CeO2 as a single layer, multifunctional buffer for YBCO, enabling a simplified and cost-effective production method for 2G wires. Preliminary experiments have shown that, by using ISD, textured CeO2 can be grown on non-textured substrates. In Phase I, systematic experiments on short samples will be carried out to identify the key factors and optimize the processing conditions for a highly textured CeO2 buffer. YBCO also will be applied to the CeO2 buffers to test the feasibility of this new process. Both the CeO2 and YBCO layers will be characterized to identify texture and microstructure. Commerical Applications and Other Benefits as described by the awardee: The technology should result in a significant breakthrough in the eliminatinon of barriers to coated conductors applications in electric power, motor, generator and magnet applications.