We are conducting research on electrical ceramics. These include high-temperature superconductors and ionic conductors. In the area of high-temperature superconductors, we focus on the materials science necessary to fabricate long lengths of superconducting wires and make magnet coils from the wire. This involves synthesizing superconductors, mechanically fabricating superconducting wires, performing thermal processing and characterizing the superconductors.
Our group is studying phase evolution, phase assemblages, chemical interactions and alignment due to chemical and thermal variables. Our work is part of a broad collaborative effort on superconductivity at the Applied Superconductivity Center. Within the Center, all aspects of the high-temperature superconductors are investigated. Through close collaborations in the Center, we learn the how the microstructure that results from our chemical synthesis and thermal processing affects the electromagnetic properties of the superconductors. We are also investigating oxygen ion conductors for use in solid oxide fuel cells. This work focuses on using oxygen-conducting perovskite-based ceramics as the solid electrolyte.