The 23 K superconducting phase YPd2B2C

We have carried out a systematic structural, electric, and magnetic study on Y---Pd---B---C samples with different compositions with emphasis on the as-cast and annealed YPd₅B₃C_0.3 which was first reported to superconduct at 23 K by Cava et al. We found that the tetragonal body-centered YPd₂B₂C with lattice parameters a=3.71 Å and c=10.81 Å is the phase responsible for the 23 K superconductivity and that YPd₂B₂C is metastable, which is consistent with the suggestion made by Cava et al. 1]: it is not stable at high temperatures nor stabilizable by Ni doping, although its isostructural compound, YNi₂B₂C, exists. Two new phases with Y:Pd ratios of 1:7 and 2:3, respectively, have also bee detected.