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Introduction of lanthanide on the mercury site of the HgBa{sub 2}CuO{sub 4} superconductor

Journal Article · · Materials Research Bulletin

This investigation of the substitution of lanthanides for mercury in the HgBa{sub 2}CuO{sub 4+{delta}} structure has shown that 1201 cuprates Hg{sub 1{minus}x}Ln{sub x}Ba{sub 2}CuO{sub 4+{delta}} can be synthesized for Ln = Ce, Pr, Nd with x {approx} 0.15; whereas for Ln = Sm, Eu, Gd, lanthanide does not enter into the matrix. The XRD and HREM studies confirm the 1201-type structure and show the statistical distribution of mercury and lanthanides within the mixed [Hg{sub 1{minus}x}Ln{sub x}O{sub {delta}}]{sub {infinity}} layer. In contrast to the homologous strontium phases Hg{sub 1{minus}x}Ln{sub x}Sr{sub 2}CuO{sub 4+{delta}}, these barium cuprates exhibit superconducting properties, with {Tc} ranging from 55 K to 83 K when as-synthesized. Annealing in a reducing atmosphere increases T{sub c} significantly, showing that the as-synthesized samples are all overdoped. The most important feature deals with the fact that the critical temperature and the narrow character of the transition for the annealed samples are improved as the size of the lanthanide cation increases, the best characteristics being obtained for the cerium phase that exhibits a {Tc} of 90 K.

OSTI ID:
271756
Journal Information:
Materials Research Bulletin, Journal Name: Materials Research Bulletin Journal Issue: 6 Vol. 31; ISSN MRBUAC; ISSN 0025-5408
Country of Publication:
United States
Language:
English