Thick films of Bi-Sr-Ca-Cu-O and Tl-Ba-Ca-Cu-O by solution processes

Publisher Website
Google Scholar
Abstract
We have prepared superconducting thick films of the Bi-based and the Tl-based cuprates via the decomposition of aqueous-glycerol solutions containing the salts of the elements. Preliminary results are presented in this work. The substrates are coated prior to heat treating, either by dipping or by spraying on various substrates heated at 200 °C. Short firing times are required in order to minimize the loss of the constituent Bi (Tl). We find that nitrates of the constituents dissolved in a water-glycerol solution increase the reaction rate in comparison to pure nitrate aqueous solutions. They also help to produce the correct superconducting phase before some reaction with the substrate occurs or too much of the constituent Bi (Tl) is lost during heating to form the superconducting phase. However, the thallium phases cannot be obtained if the films are not fired in the presence of a high pressure of thallium in a sealed capsule. The films are composed of platelets, a few microns large, that are on average oriented parallel to the substrate with their c axis normal. The Bi films show an onset temperature at 85 K and zero resistance at 75 K while the Tl films show an onset temperature of 105 K and zero resistance at 95 K. The critical currents obtained to date are quite low (∼50 A/cm2 at 77 K for the thallium phase).