Synthesis and Characterization of LuBa2Cu3Oz Superconductors by Using of a Polymeric Precursor

Abstract

The Pechini polymeric precursor method was successfully used to synthesize polycrystalline LuBa2Cu3Oz (Lu-123) superconducting compounds. The results of X-ray diffraction (XRD), Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and resistivity measurements showed that the Lu-123 phase was formed when heated at temperatures between 860 oC and 880 oC under a 9% O2-91% N2 atmosphere after pyrolysis of the precursor at 350oC for 5 h in air and 600oC for 3 h in O2. The polycrystalline samples sintered at 880oC under a low oxygen partial pressure revealed a single phase and showed superconductivity comparable to that of the sample prepared by using the solid state reaction method. Compared to the phase formation temperature of the sample prepared by the solid state reaction method, that of Lu-123 was found to be lower, possibly due to the fine particle size after the pyrolysis.