Superconducting oxide YBa2Cu3O7−x prepared by the metal alkoxide method

Abstract

Preparation of the superconducting oxide, YBa2Cu3O7−x, was carried out according to the metal alkoxide method. To obtain a homogeneous solution of yttrium, barium, and copper alkoxide in an organic solvent, alkoxides of copper and yttrium were modified by the O-R interchange reaction with 2-dimethylaminoethanol and the structures of their modified alkoxides were studied by 1H-NMR, FT-IR, and EXAFS. The YBa2Cu3O7−x precursor, prepared by hydrolysis of the present solution of alkoxides, was calcined at 850°C for 3 h to give YBa2Cu3O7−x powder as a single phase. This powder was sintered between 900°C and 950°C and characterized for bulk density, microstructure, Tc, and Jc.