A compositional and structural study of the phase BaZr1−xCuxO3−z

Abstract

Ceramics of the nominal composition BaZr1−xCuxO3−z were made by reacting powders of BaCuO2 and BaZrO3. Scanning electron microscopy-energy dispersive X-ray analysis and X-ray diffraction analyses were performed on all samples to obtain compositional and structural information. The BaZrO3 structure was found to exist over a wide range of compositions, indicating that copper substitutes on both barium and zirconium sites. Two different substitution regimes are suggested. The results are discussed with regard to the possible usage of BaZr1−xCuxO3−z compounds as barrier layers on alumina substrates or crucibles during melt processing or crystal growth of superconducting YBa2Cu3O7−x(YBCO).