Preliminary Investigation of Processing and Phase Diagram Construction in the Y‐Sr‐Cu‐O System

Abstract

We have investigated the Y‐Sr‐Cu‐O system which has been reported to form a K2NiF4‐type superconducting phase (TC∼40K) and a “123”‐type phase (Tc‐80K). Difficulties in preparing single phase materials by standard solid state reaction of carbonates and oxides have compelled us to explore other methods. A two‐stage solid state processing technique in addition to a coprecipitation method will be discussed along with the relative advantages and disadvantages of each. Using data obtained from XRD and EDS, we have mapped some of the YO1.5‐SrO‐CuO ternary phase diagram in anticipation of continued efforts at single crystal growth.