Preparation of High-Quality Bi-Pb-Sr-Ca-Cu Oxide Precursor by the Citrate Gel Process

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Abstract
In order to achieve a high-T c superconducting phase of Bi-Pb-Sr-Ca-Cu oxide, we applied a highly reactive citrate gel process to yield a precursor powder. A citrate-nitrate solution was dehydrated and heated to form the desired compound. We applied a thermogravimetric analysis, scanning electron microscopy and X-ray diffraction to study thermal decomposition during the heat stage. Sintered sample showed good superconducting properties with T c above 100 K. Chemical analyses revealed negligible loss of metals during the preparation procedure, indicating that the citrate gel process is an excellent and reliable method for this compound.