Superconductivity in high-pressure synthesized pure and doped MgB2 compounds

Abstract

Dense pure and doped (Mg1-xAx)B2 samples with A = Na, Ca, Cu, Ag, Zn and Al were synthesized at high pressure - high temperature in a multi anvils press (3.5-6 GPa, 900-1000C) for x up to 0.20. They were studied by x-ray diffraction, scanning electron microscopy and their superconducting properties were investigated by a.c. susceptibility, magnetization and transport measurements. Only Al is really substituted on the Mg site. The others elements form secondary phases with B or Mg. No large effect is observed on the superconducting properties Tc, jc critical current, Hirr and Hc2.