Synthesis of monophase HgBa 2CuO 4+δ under controlled partial oxygen pressure

Abstract

A reproducible method of synthesis of monophase HgBa 2CuO 4+δ is described. The synthesis is carried out in sealed silica tubes under controlled partial oxygen pressure. The best results were obtained within the [0.012-0.15] bar partial oxygen pressure range at 800°C. Mixtures of transition metal oxides, Co 3O 4/CoO or CuO/Cu 2O, were used to promote the exact regulation of the partial internal oxygen pressure.