Magnesium Chloride as flux and binder in the sedimentation deposition of YBa2Cu3O7-δ films

Abstract

In suspension-based film fabrication techniques, the material synthesis undergo a series of physical and chemical transformation - from suspension deposition until particle sintering. To further improve the process, additives are used to control suspension dynamics during deposition and to enhance particle mobility during heat treatment. A divalent metal chloride salt, magnesium chloride (MgCl₂), was used as an additive for fabrication of YBa₂Cu₃O_7−δ (Y123) films to act both as a flux and a binder. The as-deposited Y123 film with 0.05 wt% MgCl₂ featured closely-packed particles while the resulting post-annealed film showed large grain formation. The increased particle mobility brought by an increased amount of liquid phase in Y123 films with MgCl₂ improved the microstructure formation and enhanced the particle growth in the Y123 films.