Preparation and characterization of electrochemically-deposited superconducting YBa2Cu3O7-8 films

• Main Author: Jumuad, Ivy Girlette C.
• Format: text
• Language: English
• Published: Animo Repository 2005
• Subjects: Superconductivity; Semiconductor films; Electronics > Materials; Thin films
• Online Access: https://animorepository.dlsu.edu.ph/etd_masteral/3358
• Institution: De La Salle University

YBa2Cu3O7-δ(YBCO) films were prepared via electrochemical deposition method followed by a high-temperature sintering in air and a low-temperature annealing in oxygen. Nitrate salts of yttrium, barium, and copper were used as precursors, which were dissolved indimethyl sulfoxide(DMSO). Smooth deposits were obtained at a potentiostatic voltage of –3.5 V (vs. Ag/Ag+) in 30 minutes of deposition. Optimum sintering and annealing conditions were found to be 900°C for 24 hours and 450°C for 24 hours. Two different electrolyte solutions produced films of 1:2:3 stoichiometry with distinct morphologies and superconducting at the optimized annealing conditions. A transition temperature of 100K was obtained for samples prepared from solution with electrolyte composition of Y(NO3)3 6H2O = 20mM, Ba(NO3)2 = 36mM, Cu(NO3)23H2O = 44mM and a 94-K transition temperature was observed for samples prepared from electrolyte solution of Y(NO3)3 6H2O = 20mM, Ba(NO3)2 = 15mM, Cu(NO3)23H2O = 50mM. X-Ray Diffraction (XRD) analysis indicated polycrystalline YBCO films. Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM) showed better grain size and inter-grain connectivity for films heat-treated at the optimum conditions.