Synthesis of Bi2Sr2YCu2O8+δ from Bi2Sr2CuO6 via direct diffusion of Y2O3 and CuO

Abstract

Rare earth substitution has been extensively used to study the mechanism for high temperature superconductivity. In this study, the aim is to investigate the kinetics of the formation of Bi₂Sr₂YCu₂O_8+δ (Bi 22Y2) from Bi₂Sr₂CuO₆ (Bi 2201) via direct diffusion of Y₂O₃ and CuO. Bi₂Sr₂YCu₂O_8+δ, although not superconducting, has a crystal structure similar to that of the Bi₂Sr₂CaCu₂O_8+δ superconductor (Tc ~ 80K). The Y substituted compound may possibly act as a substrate for Bi 2212 films. The experiment is designed to investigate the kinetics of the formation of Bi 22Y2 by varying the sintering parameters, namely the soak temperature and soak time.