Silver Addition and Zirconium Substitution in the YBa2Cu3O7-xPrepared by Organic Acid Salt Thermal Decomposition Process

Abstract
The high-TcYBa2Cu3O7-x(123) superconductor has been synthesized through a decomposition of organic acid salts.Tc's of 92 K have been obtained after a relatively short sintering in the 123 specimen. Effects of silver addition and zirconium substitution on superconducting properties and structures were studied. The Ag addition and the Zr substitution appreciably enhances theJcof sintered 123 specimen. The Ag addition decreases the optimum sintering temperature by about 50°C. The Zr substitution is found to significantly change the morphology of 123 grains.