New Phase in the Bi–Sr–Ca–Cu–O System

Cooling a melt of a Bi–Sr–Ca–Cu–O system (Bi:Sr:Ca:Cu = 4:3:3:4 or 2:2:2:4) from 1000°C-1050°C yielded crystals of a new red-colored nonsuperconducting phase, accompanying the superconducting 2212 and 2201 phases. Based on the EPR spectra, it was concluded that copper is univalent in this compound. The new phase has a composition Bi_2.2Sr_1.6Ca_1.3Cu₂Ox. The X-ray diffraction pattern has been indexed, and the unit cell parameters of the phase have been determined: space group P2/m, a = 12.93, b = 4.55, c = 10.94 ; = 102.72°.     

Thermoelectric properties of Cu-doped n-type (Bi2Te3)0.9–(Bi2−xCuxSe3)0.1(x=0–0.2) alloys

n-Type (Bi₂Te₃)_0.9–(Bi_2−xCu_xSe₃)_0.1 (x=0–0.2) alloys with Cu substitution for Bi were prepared by spark plasma-sintering technique and their structural and thermoelectric properties were evaluated. Rietveld analysis reveals that approximate 9.0% of Bi atomic sites are occupied by Cu atoms and less than 4.0 wt% second phase Cu_2.86Te₂ precipitated in the Cu-doped parent alloys. Measurements show that an introduction of a small amount of Cu (x0.1) can reduce the lattice thermal conductivity (κ_L), and improve the electrical conductivity and Seebeck coefficient. An optimal dimensionless figure of merit (ZT) value of 0.98 is obtained for x=0.1 at 417 K, which is obviously higher than those of Cu-free Bi₂Se_0.3Te_2.7 (ZT=0.66) and Ag-doped alloys (ZT=0.86) prepared by the same technologies.     

Dependence of the Structure and Properties of (M,Cu)Sr2(Ln,Ca)Cu2O8−δ (1212) and (M,Cu)Sr2(Ln,Ce4+)2Cu2O10−δ (1222) Phases on the Cation M

The composition and structure of (M,Cu)(Sr,Ln)₂(Ln,Ca,Sr)Cu₂O_8– phases, where M = B, Al, Cr, Pb, Bi, Ru, or Mo (1212 type), and (M,Cu)(Sr,Ln(₂(Ln,Ce⁴⁺)₂Cu₂O_10– phases, where M = V, Cr, Mn, Ru, or Mo (1222 type), have been determined. The role of the M cation in the formation of the crystal structures and the superconductivity phenomenon was analyzed. The relationship between the type of M cation and structural parameters was discovered.     

Analysis of chemical interactions between stabilized zirconia and perovskites

LaMnO₃-based perovskites are used as cathode materials in solid oxide fuel cells (SOFC). A major aspect for their applicability is their chemical inertness in connection with the electrolyte material YSZ (Zr_0.85Y_0.15O_1.93) against zirconate formations. Perovskites with the composition La_y-x(Sr, Ca)_xMn_1-uCo_uO₃ (y = 1.0 and 0.95; x = 0– 0.2 and 1; u = 0 and 0.2) were investigated with regard to their reactivity with YSZ at different reaction times and temperatures. Powder mixtures and double-layer reaction couples were used for the investigations. XRD phase analyses, SEM/EDX and EPMA were applied for the characterization of the annealed samples. La-deficient perovskites (y = 0.95) partially substituted by Sr and Ca improve the chemical compatibility of perovskite compositions towards YSZ. Sr-containing perovskites were found to have a higher reactivity than Ca perovskites for La₂Zr₂O₇ formation. On the other hand enhanced Ca diffusion into YSZ was observed. Co substitution on Mn lattice sites decreased the chemical compatibility, especially for Sr containing perovskites.     

Characterisation of high-critical temperature superconducting materials by ICP-AES technique

Summary An inductively coupled argon plasma-atomic emission spectrometric (ICP-AES) method has been developed for the direct determination of metallic constituents of high-critical temperature (Tc) superconducting materials with a precision of better than 2%. The typical sample matrices are YBa₂Cu₃O_7–x, Bi₂CaSr₂Cu₂O₈ and TlBa₂Ca₂Cu₃O_8.5 and also with substitution at significant concentrations of elemental Fe, Gd, K, La, Mg, Na, Sn and Tm. The detection limits for these elements vary in the range 0.01–0.1 g/ml. The method is based on dissolution of the solids and analysis of 1 mg/ml aliquot of the samples. Apart from optimisation of experimental parameters, the method also involves inter-element interference studies. It has been successfully applied for the chemical characterisation of a variety of oxide-based superconducting materials.     

Farbe und Konstitution bei anorganischen Feststoffen, 14. Mitt.: Die Lichtabsorption des zweiwertigen Kupfers in oxidischen Wirtsgittern

Zusammenfassung Um die Beziehungen zwischen der Lichtabsorption des zweiwertigen Kupfers nach isomorphem Einbau in ein oxidisches Wirtsgitter und dessen Konstitution aufzufinden, wurde Cu²⁺ in oktaedrischer (Cu _x Mg _1–x TiO₃, Cu _x Cd _1–x TiO₃, Cu _x Mg _1–x CaSiO₄, Cu _x Mg _1–x CaGeO₄, Cu _x Mg _2–x SiO₄, Cu _x Mg _2–x GeO₄) und tetraedrischer Koordination (Cu _x Zn_2–x SiO₄, Cu _x Mg _1–x Cr₂O₄) spektralphotometrisch untersucht. Die Farbkurven besitzen mindestens 2 Absorptionsbanden (Kristallfeldbanden) im längerwelligen und eine oft gut ausgeprägte Elektronenübergangsbande (charge transfer) im kürzerwelligen Spektralbereich. In einigen Fällen ist noch eine zweite Elektronenübergangsbande als Schulter zu erkennen. Es wurden auch Cu-haltige 2,3- und 2,4-Spinelle spektralphotometrisch untersucht (Cu _x Mg _1–x Al₂O₄, Cu _x Mg _1–x Ga₂O₄, Cu _x Cd _y Zn _1–x–y Al₂O₄, Cu _x Mg _2–x SnO₄, Cu _x Mg _2–x TiO₄, Cu _x Zn _1–x MgTiO₄, Cu _x Mg _1–x Cd _y TiO₄). Es zeigte sich, daß Cu²⁺ immer auf Tetraeder- und Oktaederlücken verteilt ist. Eine Aufweitung des Wirtsgitters durch isomorphen Einbau größerer Kationen bewirkt nicht immer eine IR-Verschiebung der Banden, sondern in einigen Fällen (Spinellphasen) auch eine UV-Verschiebung. Eine Sonderstellung nimmt das ägyptisch-Blau CuCaSi₄O₁₀ ein, da hier das Cu²⁺ von 4 O_2– in planarer Anordnung umgeben ist. Die Farbkurve weist 3 Maxima auf im Einklang mit der Kristallfeldtheorie.

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In order to find out relations between the lightabsorption of bivalent copper isomorphously incorporated into an oxidic host lattice and the constitution of this lattice, the spectrum of Cu²⁺ has been investigated in octahedral (Cu _x Mg_1–x TiO₃, Cu _x Cd _1–x TiO₃, Cu _x Mg _1–x CaSiO₄, Cu _x Mg _1–x CaGeO₄, Cu _x Mg _2–x SiO₄, Cu _x Mg _2–x GeO₄) and tetrahedral coordination (Cu _x Zn _2–x SiO₄, Cu _x Mg _1–x Cr₂O₄). The colour curves show at least 2 absorption bands within the region of longer wave length and a charge transfer band often well developed in the range of shorter wavelength. In some cases also a second charge transfer band becomes conspicuous as a shoulder. Copper containing 2,3- and 2,4-spinels have been also investigated (Cu _x Mg _1–x Al₂O₄, Cu _x Mg _1–x Ga₂O₄, Cu _x Cd _y Zn _1–x–y Al₂O₄, Cu _x Mg _2–x SnO₄, Cu _x Mg _2–x TiO₄, Cu _x Zn _1–x MgTiO₄, Cu _x Mg _1–x Cd _y Zn _1–y TiO₄). From the colour curve one can infer that Cu²⁺ occupies in the spinels always tetrahedral as well as octahedral interstices. A widening of the lattice does not effect always a shifting of the absorption bands towards IR but in some cases (spinel phases) also the inverse shifting will occur. An exceptional case represents the egyptian blue CuCaSi₄O₁₀ since in this lattice the Cu₂₊ are surrounded by four O^2– in a coplanar arrangement. The colour curve shows three absorption bands in agreement with the crystal field theory.

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Mit 20 Abbildungen     

Chemical Degradation in Thermally Treated Ferrite/Superconductor Multiphase Materials: Modeling Parameters

Solid state chemical evolutions are studied in the case of superconductor/ferrite composites as a function of time and temperature. Pellets have been fabricated from ferrite NiFe₂O₄ and superconducting cuprate Bi_1.6Pb_0.4Sr₂Ca₂Cu₃O_10+X (noted as Bi-2223). Two types of experimental approaches are presented: high-temperature electrical complex impedance spectroscopy, and EDAX analyses performed from scanning electron microscopy. From the in situ electrical analyses, two steps in the solid state chemical evolutions have been evidenced for the first time. They can be associated with two types of solid state reactions: (i) direct reactions between the ferrite phase and the superconducting matrix and (ii) a self-degradation of the superconducting phase probably associated with a homogenization of elements. The electrical analyses are modeled using two types of kinetics parameters. From the EDAX analyses, the local distribution of each element is determined. The concentration profiles found for the various elements (Ni, Fe, Bi, Sr, Ca, Cu) are interpreted in terms of a virtual diffusion law involving virtual D^* coefficients. These coefficients are found to be of about 10⁻¹¹ (cm²/s) in the range 800–830°C.     

ESR and TPD Study of the Interaction of Nitromethane and Ammonia with HZSM-5 and CuZSM-5 Zeolites

The properties of complexes formed on HZSM-5 and CuZSM-5 zeolites in the course of ammonia and nitromethane adsorption are studied. Ammonia adsorbs on CuZSM-5 and forms two species, which decompose at different temperatures T _dec. One is due to the formation of the Cu²⁺(NH₃)₄ complex (T _dec = 450 K), and the other is assigned to ammonia adsorbed on copper(II) compounds, Cu²⁺O^– and Cu²⁺–O^2––Cu²⁺, or CuO clusters (T _dec = 650–750 K). Ammonia adsorption on Cu⁺ and Cu⁰ is negligible compared with that on the Brönsted acid sites and copper(II). Nitromethane adsorbed on HZSM-5 and CuZSM-5 at 400–500 K transforms into a series of products including ammonia. Ammonia also forms complexes with the Brönsted acid sites and copper(II) similar to those formed in the course of adsorption from the gas phase, but the Cu²⁺(NH₃)₄ complexes on CuZSM-5 are not observed. Possible structures of ammonia and nitromethane complexes on Brönsted acid sites and the Cu²⁺ cations in zeolite channels are discussed. The role of these complexes in selective NO _x reduction by hydrocarbons over the zeolites is considered in connection with their thermal stability.     

Pyrochlore phases in the system ZnOBi2O3Sb2O5: II. Crystal structures of Zn2Bi3.08Sb2.92O14+δ and Zn2+xBi2.96−(x−y)Sb3.04−yO14.04+δ

Rietveld refinement of combined X-ray and neutron diffraction data has, within errors, confirmed the stoichiometries of two, cubic pyrochlore phases in the ZnOBi₂O₃Sb₂O₅ system. Neither phase has the ‘ideal’ stoichiometry, Zn₂Bi₃Sb₃O₁₄. One phase, P₁, is a Zn-rich, Bi-deficient solid solution Zn_2+xBi_{2.96−(x−y)}Sb_3.04−yO_14.04+δ. The other, P₂, is a Bi-rich line phase, stoichiometry Zn₂Bi_3.08Sb_2.92O_14+δ. Both structures have a mixture of Bi, Zn on the A-sites and Zn, Sb on the B-sites. However, Zn is displaced off-centre in the A-sites to achieve lower co-ordination number with realistic ZnO bond lengths. Additional structural complexities arise from: displacement of O(2) atoms; partial occupancies of O(1) and O(2) sites; partial occupancy of a third, interstitial oxygen site, O(3). Since the multiplicities of the off-centre sites are much higher than those of the ideal positions, there is considerable possibility for correlated short range order throughout the structures.     

Core level photoemission spectroscopy and chemical bonding in Sr2Ta2O7

Electronic parameters of constituent element core levels of strontium pyrotantalate (Sr₂Ta₂O₇) were measured with X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS). The Sr₂Ta₂O₇ powder sample was synthesized using standard solid state method. The valence electron transfer on the formation of the Sr–O and Ta–O bonds was characterized by the binding energy differences between the O 1s and cation core levels, Δ(O–Sr) = BE(O 1s) − BE(Sr 3d_5/2) and Δ(O–Ta) = BE(O 1s) − BE(Ta 4f_7/2). The chemical bonding effects were considered on the basis of our XPS results for Sr₂Ta₂O₇ and earlier published structural and XPS data for other Sr- and Ta-containing oxide compounds. The new data point for Sr₂Ta₂O₇ is consistent with the previously derived relationship for a set of Sr-bearing oxides. The binding energy difference Δ(O–Sr) was found to decrease with increasing bond distance L(Sr–O).     

Ein alternativer Weg zur Darstellung von Bi2Sr2CaCu2Ox,YBa2Cu3O7−δ, und YBa2Cu3−xMxO7−δ (M  Ni,Ag und x ≤ 33 Mol%)

An Alternative Method for Preparation of Bi₂Sr₂CaCu₃O_x, YBa₂Cu₃O_7?δ, and YBa₂Cu_3?xM_xO_7?δ (M ? Ni, Ag and x ≤ 33 Mol%) Oxidation of quenched melts of metals in a well defined argon/oxygen atmosphere has been found as an alternative method to prepare hight purity samples of Bi₂Sr₂CaCu₂O_x without Pb-stabilization. A special equipment for the oxidation of powder samples will be described. By our new method it is also possible to prepare YBa₂Cu₃O_7?δ and derivatives of this compound, where Cu is substituted by high amounts of Ni or Ag.     

Synthesis,Characterization and Oxide Ionic Conductivity of Binary β‐(Bi2O3)1‐x(Lu2O3)x System

In this research, the effects of doping Lu₂O₃ to α‐Bi₂O₃ in the range of 0.01 < x < 0.10 in a series of different mole fractions (1% < n < 10% mole ratios) was studied. Beside, heat treatment was performed by applying a cascade temperature rise in the range of 700‐800 °C for 72 hours and new phases were obtained in the (Bi₂O₃)_1‐x(Lu₂O₃)_x system. After heat treatment for 72 hours at 800 °C; mixtures, containing 2‐8% mole Lu₂O₃, formed a tetragonal phase. As a result of subjecting mixtures, containing 9% and 10% mole Lu₂O₃, to a quenching process at 825 °C, tetragonal phases were obtained. With the help of XRD, the crystal systems and lattice parameters of the solid solutions were obtained and their characterization was carried out. Thermal measurements were made by using a simultaneous DTA/TG system. The total conductivity (σ_T) in the β‐Bi₂O₃ doped with Lu₂O₃ was measured using the four‐probe DC method.     

Co-cation Conduction in Solid Solutions (K1 – xRbx)4P2O7–M2P2O7(M = Ca,Sr, Cd,Ba): Dependence on the Nature and Concentration of Cations M2+

Solid solutions of the structure -K₄P₂O₇, which have the composition (K_{1 – x} Rb _x )_3.8M_0.1P₂O₇(M = Ca, Sr, Cd, Ba) and (K_{1 – x} Rb _x )_{4 – 2y} Ca _y P₂O₇(y= 0.025–0.20), are synthesized. The solutions' electroconductivity is studied in the temperature range 400–600°C. The concentration dependences of the conductivity and the activation energy for conduction have extremums at x 0.6, which points to the polyalkaline effect. The effect increases with decreasing radius of cation M²⁺and with increasing concentration of calcium cations, which is explained by an increased energy nonequivalence of positions in the cation sublattice accessible to alkali ions.     

Domain reorientation dynamics of sol–gel derived strontium doped PLZT (8/65/35)

Polycrystalline samples of PLSZT with the composition Pb_0.92−x La_0.08Sr _x (Zr_0.65Ti_0.35)O₃ (where x = 0, 0.02, 0.04, 0.06, 0.08, and 0.10) have been synthesized by sol–gel technique. DTA analysis confirms that all the organic constituents get decomposed and final PLZT is formed at 545 °C. The XRD analysis suggests the formation of single rhombohedral perovskite phase with decreasing unit cell parameter. Crystallite size calculated, using Scherrer’s equation, was found to decrease with Sr doping due to smaller ionic radii of Sr than Pb. Compact uniform grain distribution was observed from SEM micrographs. The ferroelectric to paraelectric phase transition temperature, maximum dielectric constant and remanent polarization (P _r) were found to decrease with Sr doping along with increasing diffuse nature of phase transformation. Detailed domain reorientation dynamics study suggests that Sr doping increases the percentage backswitching and decreases the normalized coercivity by decreasing the viscous nature of composition.     

Preferential crystallographic site substitution and oxygen migration in Bi2{Sr, Ca, Ln}3Cu2O8 related to rare earth ion size (Ln = La, Yb)

Substitution of rare earths of various size (i.e., La and Yb) in the superconducting 2212 phase Bi₂Sr₂Ca_1−yLn_yCu₂O_8+x+y/2 (0 ≤ y ≤ 1) shows: (i) the larger La atoms substitute preferentially on the Sr site while the small Yb atoms occupy the Ca site; (ii) the superconductive property disappears when y reaches 0.5; (iii) as the Yb-doped phase approaches y = 0.5 the oxygen layers sandwiched between the Bi layers rearrange; an effect which may be associated with the observed variation of the modulation vector of the superstructure and, subsequently, with the phenomenon of superconductivity. Various phases corresponding to y = 0.1, 0.2, 0.3, 0.4, and 0.5 have been identified as separate through powder and single crystal diffraction, X-ray techniques, and electron microscopy investigations and their superconductivity properties checked by four probe resistivity measurements.     

Enthalpies of formation of some phases present in the Y−Ba−Cu−O system by solution calorimetry

Enthalpies of some of the phases in the Y–Ba–Cu–O system were determined by solution calorimetry using a Calvet microcalorimeter. The standard enthalpies of formation for the phases were found to be YBa₂Cu₃O_6.60, –2627.9; YBa₂Cu₃O_6.77, –2641.8; YBa₂Cu₃O_6.90, –2652.0; YBa₂Cu₃O_6.99, –2659.3; Y₂Cu₂O₅, –2198.6; Y₂BaCuO₅, –2656.4; BaCuO_2.33, –788.6; and BaCuO_2.42, –796.2 kJ-mol^–1.     

Determination of Vanadium(V) and Vanadium(IV) in Bismuth- and Copper-Containing Compounds by Controlled-Potential Coulometry

It was shown that vanadium(V) and vanadium(IV) can be determined at a large Pt electrode in H₂SO₄ solutions in the presence of copper and bismuth by controlled-potential coulometry with RSD no worse than 0.2%. Compounds of the composition Bi₄V_1.8Cu_0.2O_{10.7 – x} were analyzed.     

The formation of superconducting oxide phases in the (Bi,Pb)−Sr−Ca−Cu−O System

The crystallization mechanism of superconducting phases in the (Bi,Pb)?Sr?Ca?Cu?O system was determined on the basis of the results of DTA, DTG and TG studies, supplemented by X-ray examination of ceramic powders obtained by the sol-gel method. It has been demonstrated that the factor determining the formation of superconducting phases: Bi₂Sr₂CaCu₂O_x (low-T _c ) and Bi₂Sr₂Ca₂Cu₃O_x (high-T _c ) is the kinetics of reaction of calcium and strontium carbonates with molten CuBi₂O₄. As a result of the reaction of the bimetallic compound CuBi₂O₄ with SrCO₃ in the liquid phase the compound Bi₂Sr₂CuO₆ is formed. This compound, reacting with calcium and copper oxides, yields superconducting phases: the low-T _c and the high-T _c phase. It has been also observed that an increase in the volume fraction of high-T _c phase in powder subjected to thermal treatment takes place probably due to the repeated disproportionation of low-T _c phase and its repeated synthesis from Bi₂Sr₂CuO₆, CuO and CaO.     

Electronic structures of superconductors YBa2Cu3−x M x O y (M=Sn,Ni)

Based on the EHMO approach, the energy band structures for superconductors YBa₂Cu_3–x Sn _x O _y (y>7) and YBa₂Cu_3–x Ni _x O_y (y<7) were calulated in the present paper. The influence of the cation doping at the Cu site in the unit cell and the oxygen content on their electronic structures was studied. The results showed that the cation doping at the Cu site resulted in the great decreases in the bandwidths of the broad anisotropic Cu-O bands and the densities of states. In YBa₂Cu_3–x Sn _x O _y , however, these decreases are compensated by the increase in the oxygen content caused by the Sn-doping, which results in a small change in the total densities of states. For YBa₂Cu_3–x Ni _x O _y , the effect of the doping on its electronic structures in dominant. The Ni-doping, therefore, results in a great change in the electronic structures. In addition, the study on the projected densities of states of the Ni-doped system revealed that the 2D Cu-O planes in the Y-Ba-Cu-O system played a dominant role in superconductivity.     

Compounds and phase compatibilities in the system La2O3---SrO---CuO at 950°C

The subsolidus phase diagram of the system La₂O₃---SrO---CuO at 950°C under 1 bar of pure oxygen has been investigated and a new ternary compound, La_1+xSr_2−xCu₂O_5.5+δ with 0.05 ≤ x ≤ 0.15, was isolated. This compound crystallizes in an orthorhombic unit cell with lattice constants related to the lattice constant of the perovskite cubic unit cell, a_p, by a = 3.80 Å a_p, B = 11.48 Å 3a_p, and c = 20.23 Å 5a_p. The structure is isotypical to that of LnSr₂Cu₂O_5.5+δ with Ln = Sm, Eu, or Gd. Reported data on the crystal chemistry of the equilibrium compounds in the system La₂O₃---SrO---CuO have been summarized and compared with the present data. The structure of all compounds is built up of a La---O rock-salt layer separated by a number of LaCuO₃ perovskite layers. The general formula is (La---O)(LaCuO₃)_n where La can be replaced either partly or completely by Sr. Compounds are found for n = 1, 2, and ∞. The structures of the compounds show different types of oxygen vacancy ordering.