Preparation of High-Tc Superconducting Oxides by the Amorphous Citrate Process.

TLDR: In this paper, the high-Tc superconducting oxide Yba2Cu3O7-y has been prepared by the amorphous citrate process, and the precursor was fired to high temperature to form the desired compound.

Abstract: The high-Tc superconducting oxide Yba2Cu3O7–y has been prepared by the amorphous citrate process. A citrate-nitrate solution was prepared at room temperature and dehydrated at around 80°C to yield a solid precursor material. The precursor was fired to high temperature to form the desired compound. The decomposition mechanism was studied with thermogravimetric analysis and X-ray diffraction. Intermediate products were formed during the decomposition reactions. Nearly phase-pure Yba2Cu3O7-y powders were obtained by firing the precursor in air to 900°Cfor2 h. Sintered samples were typically over 90% dense and exhibited good superconducting properties.