Synthesis, transport, and microstructural properties of Nd(1.85)Ce(0.15)CuO(4-delta)
Abstract
The n-type superconductor, Nd1.85Ce0.15CuO(4-delta) was prepared by solid state reaction and solution precursor techniques under various conditions and characterized by means of X ray diffraction, magnetic susceptibility, electrical resistivity and SEM measurements. Samples prepared by solution method displayed higher normal state resistance but better superconducting volume fractions than those prepared by conventional ceramic techniques. In addition, the solution precursor technique reduces the sintering temperature from 1150 C (used for solid state route) to 1000 C in achieving the superconducting phase. The solution-route yields particles with relatively uniform size distribution, but poor connectivity between the grains. In contrast, the solid state preparations yield well connected grains but with a larger distribution of sizes. The observed differences in the superconducting properties of samples prepared by different techniques were attributed to the differences in their microstructure.
- Publication:
-
Technical Report No. 48
- Pub Date:
- June 1990
- Bibcode:
- 1990rsu..reptR....L
- Keywords:
-
- Ceramics;
- Microstructure;
- N-Type Semiconductors;
- Particle Size Distribution;
- Superconductors;
- Synthesis (Chemistry);
- Transport Properties;
- Copper Oxides;
- Electrical Resistance;
- Electron Microscopy;
- Magnetic Properties;
- Reaction Kinetics;
- Sintering;
- X Ray Diffraction;
- Electronics and Electrical Engineering