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Undoped and carbon-doped magnesium diboride (MgB2) samples were synthesized using two sets of mixtures prepared from the precursors, amorphous nanoboron, and as-received amorphous carbon-doped nanoboron. The microscopic defect structures of carbon-doped MgB2 samples were systematically investigated using X-ray powder diffraction, Raman and electron paramagnetic resonance spectroscopy. Mg vacancies and C-related dangling-bond active centers could be distinguished, and sp3-hybridized carbon radicals were detected. A strong reduction in the critical temperature Tc was observed due to defects and crystal distortion. The symmetry effect of the latter is also reflected on the vibrational modes in the Raman spectra. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Nano sized magnesium diboride (MgB2) samples were synthesized using various high-quality nano-B precursor powders. The microscopic defect structures of MgB2 samples were systematically investigated using X-ray powder diffraction, Raman, resistivity measurements and electron paramagnetic resonance spectroscopy. A significant deviation in the critical temperature Tc was observed due to defects and crystal distortion. The symmetry effect of the latter is also reflected on the vibrational modes in the Raman spectra. Scanning electron microscopy analysis demonstrate uniform and ultrafine morphology for the modified MgB2. Defect center in particular Mg vacancies influence the connectivity and the conductivity properties which are crucial for the superconductivity applications. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Undoped and aluminum (Al) doped magnesium diboride (MgB2) samples were synthesized using a high-temperature solid-state synthesis method. The microscopic defect structures of Al-doped MgB2 samples were systematically investigated using X-ray powder diffraction, Raman spectroscopy, and electron paramagnetic resonance. It was found that Mg-vacancies are responsible for defect-induced peculiarities in MgB2. Above a certain level of Al doping, enhanced conductive properties of MgB2 disappear due to filling of vacancies or trapping of Al in Mg-related vacancy sites. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Defect structure of MgB2 bulk and ultrafine particles, synthesized by solid state reaction route, have been investigated mainly by the aid of X-band electron paramagnetic resonance spectrometer. Two different amorphous Boron (B) precursors were used for the synthesis of MgB2, namely, boron 95 (purity 95%-97%, <1.5 µm) and nanoboron (purity >98.5%, <250 nm), which revealed bulk and nanosized MgB2, respectively. Scanning and transmission electron microscopy analysis demonstrate uniform and ultrafine morphology for nanosized MgB2 in comparison with bulk MgB2. Powder X-ray diffraction data show that the concentration of the by-product MgO is significantly reduced when nanoboron is employed as precursor. It is observed that a significant average particle size reduction for MgB2 can be achieved only by using B particles of micron or nano size. The origin and the role of defect centers were also investigated and the results proved that at nanoscale MgB2 material contains Mg vacancies. Such vacancies influence the connectivity and the conductivity properties which are crucial for the superconductivity applications. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]