Preparation of YBa2Cu3O7−x superconducting films through the sol-gel method using metal alkoxides as starting materials

Abstract

YBa2Cu3O7−x superconducting films have been prepared on a YSZ ceramic substrate through the sol-gel method using metal alkoxides of Y, Ba, and Cu. A homogeneous solution containing the three metal alkoxides was prepared by dissolving the copper alkoxide, which is otherwise insoluble, in diaminoalcohol. The gel film, formed by dipping the substrate into the sol of 80 °C and withdrawing it up, was converted to a ceramic film consisting of YBa2Cu3O7−x phase by sintering at 850 °C for 30 min. The resulting film of about 10 μm in thickness showed zero resistivity (Tc end) at 54 K. Cold isostatic pressing of the film before sintering remarkably improved the Tc end to 85 K.