Effect of silver on the formation of Bi2Sr2Ca2Cu3O10 (Bi-2 2 2 3) superconductors by sol–gel process

Bi-2 2 2 3 superconductors with silver additions are synthesized by sol–gel process. The effect of silver on the formation of Bi-2 2 2 3 phase is studied. The addition of silver brings down the reaction temperature as well as annealing time for the formation of Bi-2 2 2 3 phase. The presence of silver affects the Tc of the Bi-2 2 1 2 phase. The heat treatment of silver added Bi-2 2 2 3 samples above 1113 K show poor superconducting properties due to partial melting of Bi-2 2 2 3 phase. © 1998 Chapman & Hall