Electrochemical oxygen intercalation in La 2CuO 4 prepared by nitrates method: Microstructural effects

Abstract

In order to determine microstructural effects in the electrochemical oxygen intercalation for La 2CuO 4, and the relative abundance of the two superconducting phases (T c = 33 and 44K), this oxide was prepared using the nitrates method, which involves the dissolution of La and Cu oxides in nitric acid. The product was pressed as pellets. A narrow grain size distribution and a density higher than 95% ϱ T was obtained. After electrochemical oxygen intercalation, at room temperature, this material gave a main superconducting phase with T c = 33K, whereas porous pellets obtaiined from the same oxide, with intermediate grinding, gave a T c = 44K.