Novel synthetic pathway to Bi(Pb)-2223 phase with variable Ca : Sr ratio, Bi1.7Pb0.3Sr4–xCaxCu3Oy: 1.85⩽x⩽2.4
Abstract
A modified solid-state reaction method for the preparation of the Bi(Pb)-2223 phase which involves the reaction between two precursors (Bi,Pb)2CuO4 and (Sr,Ca)2CuO3 is reported. Reaction times to yield single-phase samples are typically 5–8 days. Using this method single-phase 2223 materials with variable Ca : Sr ratio can be prepared; their stoichiometry is Bi, 1.7Pb0.3Sr4–xCax, Cu3Oy with 1.85⩽x⩽2.4. The Tc values of these materials are independent of Ca : Sr ratio and weakly dependent on heat-treatment conditions.