Novel chemical recycling process of REBCO materials showcased on TSMG-processed waste

Abstract

Due to the increasing production of rare-earth barium copper mixed oxide (REBCO) superconductors, a significant amount of REBCO waste is produced. REBCO waste contains expensive rare earth elements and noble metals, as well as elements that can be hazardous to the environment if not handled properly. Therefore, it is important to develop a novel general recycling process for the production of fully-recycled single-domain REBCO bulks. In this contribution, YBCO waste was processed by chemical dissolution of YBCO waste in concentrated nitric acid, followed by precipitation and calcination steps to produce recycled YBCO precursor powder. Subsequently, the recycled precursor was utilized in the production of YBCO bulks by top-seeded melt growth. Single-domain YBCO bulks, grown exclusively from the recycled precursor, were successfully prepared. The analysis focused on their phase and elemental composition, as well as on their microstructure and key superconducting properties. The results demonstrate the feasibility of a closed production cycle for YBCO bulks, contributing to a more sustainable and eco-friendly approach to produce high-temperature superconductors. Even more importantly, this approach is designed to easily process other types of REBCO waste such as sputtering targets, granulates and possibly even thin-film superconducting tapes.