The effect of oxygen partial pressure on the formation of (Bi, Pb)2Sr2Ca2Cu3O10−x

The effect of atmosphere on the formation of the 110 K (Bi2Sr2Ca2Cu3O10, 2223) superconductor phase was studied at different oxygen partial pressures and temperatures. Step heating at low oxygen partial pressures with intermediate grinding promoted 110 K phase formation. With this synergy the shortest time for single-phase 110 K superconductor formation was found to be 12 h between 845 and 865°C at Po 2 = 0.078 atmosphere. The activation energy of 110 K phase formation is 1513 KJ/mole in air.