ABSTRACT The synthesis of ultra‐small core–shell nanoparticles offers promising pathways for enhancing the performance of superconducting films. This study presents the solvothermal synthesis and characterization of α‐Fe 2 O 3 /Ag core–shell nanoparticles, designed as effective pinning centers in YBa 2 Cu 3 O 7‐x (YBCO) superconducting films. The nanoparticles, below 10 nm diameters, were synthesized via controlled decomposition of iron (III) nitrate and silver nitrate in triethylene glycol, which served as both solvent and stabilizing agent. Transmission electron microscopy confirmed the uniform core–shell structure, while X‐ray diffraction validated the crystalline phases of the Fe 2 O 3 core and Ag shell. Magnetic measurements revealed the influence of magnetic nature of nanoparticles, which is critical for enhancing vortex pinning in YBCO films. Energy‐dispersive X‐ray spectroscopy confirmed the elemental composition and chemical states. These ultra‐small α‐Fe 2 O 3 /Ag nanoparticles show potential as tailored inclusions to improve critical current densities in YBCO superconducting films by enhancing flux pinning efficiency.
Năsui et al. (Sun,) studied this question.