Enhancement of Jc by refinement of Nd4Ba2Cu2O10 particles in OCMG processed Nd–Ba–Cu–O system with Pt and CeO2 addition

We have melt-grown the Nd–Ba–Cu–O superconductor from the precursor with a composition of NdBa2Cu3Oy+10% Nd4Ba2Cu2O10+0.5 wt% Pt+1.0 wt% CeO2 in 0.1% O2-Ar environment. A combined addition of Pt and CeO2 has resulted in the refinement of Nd4Ba2Cu2O10 (Nd422) particles down to submicron size as revealed by optical and transmission electron microscopic observations. A large enhancement of critical current density reaching 105 A cm−2 in a self field at 77 K has been accomplished as a result of fine dispersion of Nd422.