Preparation of High TC YBa2Cu3O7−x Powders from Nitrate and Oxalate Precursors

Abstract

ABSTRACTThis study presents two methods for preparing the High Tc superconducting YBa2Cu3O7−x compound. Aqueous nitrate solutions consisting of Yttrium, Barium and Copper were mixed, dried, blended and the resulting homogeneous mixture calcined at 700–900°C for 2–4h to develop the superconducting (1,2,3) phase. As an alternative, oxalates of Yttrium, Copper and Barium were coprecipitated from the mixed metal nitrate solution using (Et3NH)2C2O4. The resulting pale blue coprecipitate was dried and calcined in air at 700–900°C/2–4h. Both methods provided high homogeneity precursors for the High Tc YBa2Cu3O7−x superconductor. Resistance measurements, SEM, x-ray and VSM were used to characterize the microstructures and properties.