Effect of PbO2 on the Formation of YBCO Films Fabricated Via Sedimentation Deposition and Partial Melting Technique

Abstract

PbO2 addition in sedimentation deposition prepared films was investigated by SEM, EDX, and RT measurements to determine its effect on the formation of YBCO films. YBCO films on SrTiO3 (STO) (100) substrates of varying amounts of PbO2 were partially melted at 980 ∘C, annealed, and oxygenated in flowing oxygen atmosphere. In addition, a YBCO sample partially melted at higher temperature was also done for comparison. From the SEM, EDX, and RT analyses, it was found that the film having 8 wt% PbO2 produces a film with the highest superconducting transition temperature comparable to that of a YBCO sample partially melted at peritectic point. Moreover, it was observed that addition of PbO2 enhances matter transport between Y123 particles and lowers the processing temperature for the fabrication of YBCO films via the sedimentation deposition method.