Synthesis and characterization of Y-Ba-Cu-O and Bi(Pb)-Sr-Ca-Cu-O superconductors from the oxine co-precipitation method

Oxide superconductors in the Y--Ba--Cu--O and Bi(Pb)--Sr--Ca--Cu--O systems with T exp o sub c of 93.6 and 115K, respectively, have been prepared by the co-precipitation process via the oxine route using nitrates as the starting materials. Chemical homogeneity, stoichiometry and fine particles of the precursor obtained by this process permit a relatively short time for the production of yittrium- and bismuth-based superconducting compounds compared with that obtained by the conventional solid state reaction method. The resulting densities of the sintered samples were typically > 90%. X-ray diffraction analysis, energy dispersive spectral analysis and scanning electron microstructural analysis are also reported in this study. Photomicrographs, Diffraction patterns. 23 ref.--AA