Variation of structural and superconducting properties with initial stoichiometry variation in (Bi,Pb)-Sr-Ca-Cu-O bulk superconductor

• Published in: Journal of materials science 1994-10, Vol.29 (19), p.5059-5064
• Main Authors: SIMON, A, MUKHERJEE, P. S, SARMA, M. S, DAMODARAN, A. D
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: Bi-based cuprates; Condensed matter: electronic structure, electrical, magnetic, and optical properties; Critical currents; Cuprates superconductors (high tc and insulating parent compounds); Effects of material synthesis, crystal structure, and chemical composition; Exact sciences and technology; High-Tc compounds; Physics; Properties of type I and type II superconductors; Superconductivity; Transition temperature variations
• ISSN: 0022-2461; 1573-4803
• DOI: 10.1007/BF01151097

The effect of the initial stoichiometry variation (variation in Bi, Pb, Sr, Ca and Cu) on various structural and superconducting properties of Pb-doped Bi-based superconductor was studied. The sample having the initial stoichiometry of (Bi1.8Pb0.4)Sr2Ca2.2Cu3O10 was found to give best structural and superconducting properties. The most important factors affecting Jc in the samples were the type of impurity phase present in the sample, their amount and distribution in the superconducting matrix. Cu-rich stoichiometry enhanced the formation of 110 K phase, but large amounts of undesirable impurities present in the samples decreased Jc. The formation of 110 K phase and texturing of (001) planes in a sample depended on the period of heat treatment and stoichiometry. 10 refs.