Accelerated formation of 110 K high T c phase in the Ca- and Cu-rich Bi-Pb-Sr-Ca-Cu-O system

Abstract
The crystal structure and superconducting properties of the Bi‐Pb‐Sr‐Ca‐Cu‐O system with Ca‐ and Cu‐rich nominal composition were investigated. A nearly single‐phased 110 K high Tc superconductor can be obtained with 852 °C/20 h sintering from the starting composition of Bi1.7Pb0.4Sr1.6Ca2.4Cu3.6Oy. X‐ray diffraction patterns, resistivity measurement, diamagnetic susceptibility results, and scanning electron micrographs all indicate that the Ca‐ and Cu‐rich nominal composition would result in better superconducting properties than those of Ca:Sr=1:1 Bi‐Pb‐Sr‐Ca‐Cu‐O compounds in a much shorter sintering time.