Solution-based synthesis routes to (Bi_1−xPb_x)₂Sr₂Ca₂Cu₃O_10+δ

A comparison of several solution syntheses with a solid-state route to the lead-containing high T_c phase of the Bi–Sr–Ca–Cu–O system has been performed using DSC, TGA, x-ray diffraction, electron microscopy, magnetic ac susceptibility, and critical-current measurements. A novel polymer solution synthesis route is shown to yield an increased percentage of the 2223 high T_c phase when sintering is performed at the low temperature end of this phase's stability range. Under the best preparative conditions given in the literature, however, the properties of samples obtained with the different synthetic methods described in the present study are shown to be similar. Samples derived from solution syntheses have been found to contain higher amounts of carbon precipitates, while samples derived from conventional solid-state synthesis contain CuO precipitates, according to energy dispersive spectroscopy analyses.