The Effect of Sintering Temperature Variation on the Superconducting Properties of ErBa2Cu3O7-δ Superconductor Prepared via Coprecipitation Method

The effect of heat treatment on the superconducting properties of ErBa(2)Cu(3)O(7-delta) (ErBCO) ceramic materials has been studied. The nano-metal oxalate precursor was prepared using coprecipitation (COP) method. The prepared materials were subjected to calcination process at 900 A degrees C for 12 h and then sintered under oxygen environment for 15 h at 920 A degrees C, 930 A degrees C, 940 A degrees C, and 950 A degrees C, respectively. All samples showed a metallic behavior and single-step transition in the R-T curves. The best zero critical current, T (C(R=0))=91.4 K, was for the sample sintered at 920 A degrees C. XRD data showed single phase of an orthorhombic structure. As the sintering temperature increases, the formation of nonsuperconducting phases (impurities) was observed when the samples sintered above 920 A degrees C. The formation of nano-oxalate powders via COP method is a very efficient procedure to produce high-quality superconductors with less processing temperature required.