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A hydroxycarbonate route to superconductor precursor powders

Conference ·
OSTI ID:5683585

A precipitation process is described for the preparation of powders that can be thermally decomposed to form high critical temperature superconductors such as YBa/sub 2/Cu/sub 3/O/sub 7/. In the process, a cationic solution (a concentrated chloride or nitrate solution) is instantaneously mixed with an anionic solution (a mixture of tetramethylammonium hydroxide and carbonate) to produce a metal-hydroxycarbonate precipitate having the metal stoichiometry of the desired superconducting oxide. The calcining and sintering of the precipitates is critical in controlling the structural integrity and morphology of the superconducting cermaics made from the chem-prep powders, as well as controlling superconducting properties. Under appropriate conditions, high density (>95%) materials that exhibit good superconducting characteristics can be prepared with the chem-prep powders. 6 refs., 3 figs.

Research Organization:
Sandia National Labs., Albuquerque, NM (USA)
DOE Contract Number:
AC04-76DP00789
OSTI ID:
5683585
Report Number(s):
SAND-87-2922C; CONF-871124-35; ON: DE88003638
Country of Publication:
United States
Language:
English