Investigating the Preparation Conditions on Superconducting Properties of Bi<SUB>2-x</SUB> Li<SUB>x</SUB>Pb<SUB>0.3</SUB>Sr<SUB>2</SUB>Ca<SUB>2</SUB>Cu<SUB>3</SUB>O<SUB>10+δ</SUB>

Abstract

One and multi-step solid state reaction methods were used to prepare a high temperature superconductor with a nominal composition Bi 2-x Li x Pb 0.3 Sr 2 Ca 2 Cu 3 O 10+δ for ( 0 ≤ x ≤ 0 .5). T he effect o f preparation conditions and substituting Li on Bi sites had been investigated by the use of X-ray diffraction, resistance measurements and oxygen content to obtain the optimum conditions for formation and stabilization of the 2223-phase. It has been found that intermediate grinding will force to convert and accelerate the formation rate of the 2223-phase. The morphological analyses were carried out by SEM. The results showed that the multi-step technique was appropriate to prepare the compositio Bi 2-x Li x Pb 0.3 Sr 2 Ca 2 Cu 3 O 10+δ . X-ray diffraction analysis showed two phases: high-TC phase 2223 and low-TC phase 2212 with orthorhombic structure for all samples. However, the optimum concentration was found for 0.3 which improved the microstructure and had the highest T<SUB>C</SUB> value 130 K for the highest value of oxygen content.