Impact of calcination temperature on the microstructure and superconductivity of YBa2Cu3O7-δ ceramic prepared via modified thermal decomposition method

• Published in: JOURNAL OF THE AUSTRALIAN CERAMIC SOCIETY
• Main Authors: Arebat, Ryad Alhadei Mohamed; Kechik, Mohd Mustafa Awang; Baqiah, Hussien; Kien, Chen Soo; Pah, Lim Kean; Shariff, Khairul Khaizi Mohd; Shaari, Abdul Halim; Hong, Yap Siew; Sah, Nur Afiqah Mohamed Indera Alim; Miryala, Muralidhar
• Format: Article; Early Access
• Language: English
• Published: SPRINGER 2025
• Subjects: Materials Science
• Online Access: https://www-webofscience-com.uitm.idm.oclc.org/wos/woscc/full-record/WOS:001446677400001
• ISSN: 2510-1560; 2510-1579
• DOI: 10.1007/s41779-025-01172-5

This study explores the impact of calcination temperature on the characteristics of YBa2Cu3O7-delta (Y-123) ceramic superconductors, synthesized using a novel modified thermal decomposition (MTD) method. It aims to optimize the relationship between calcination conditions and superconductor performance, which is critical for advancing the utility of high-temperature superconductors (HTS). The calcination process involved two distinct temperatures: 850 degrees C (Group A) and 910 degrees C (Group B), each sustained for a duration of 24 h. Following calcination, the samples underwent sintering at varying temperatures: 920 degrees C, 950 degrees C, and 980 degrees C. This process facilitates the examination of how thermal treatment affects the structure-property relationship to find the best conditions for enhanced superconductor performance. The characterization techniques employed encompassed thermogravimetric analysis (TGA/DTG), X-ray diffraction (XRD), field emission scanning electron microscopy (FESEM), and four-point probe measurements (4PP). Thermal stability was examined using TGA-DTA analysis. The XRD analysis revealed the existence of the orthorhombic structure featuring the Y-123 phase in both Group A and Group B with a minor secondary phase, Y2BaCuO5 (Y211). The samples calcined at 910 degrees C exhibited the highest critical temperatures, such as Tc-onset (93.72 K) and Tc-zero (90.27 K), with the lowest superconducting transition width, Delta Tc (3.45 K), at a sintering temperature of 980 degrees C. Furthermore, an increase in both homogeneity and density was noted with the gradual rise in sintering temperature. FESEM analysis revealed that the sample in Group B exhibited the most densely compacted grain structure and the highest Tc-zero, implying that enhanced interconnectivity among the grains leads to an elevation in Tc-zero. This study underscores the significance of precise thermal processing and introduces a viable method for synthesizing high-Tc superconductors.