Influence of Synthesis Parameters on the Structural and Superconducting Characteristics of Bi₂Sr₂Ca₃Cu₄O₁₀₊δ High-Temperature Superconductors

Fatima Ali Hussein; Sabah Jalal  Fathi

doi:10.17605/cajmns.v6i4.2890

Fatima Ali Hussein Department of Physics, College of Education for Pure Sciences, University of Kirkuk, Kirkuk, Iraq
Sabah Jalal Fathi Department of Physics, College of Education for Pure Sciences, University of Kirkuk, Kirkuk, Iraq

DOI: https://doi.org/10.17605/cajmns.v6i4.2890

Keywords: High-Tc Superconductivity, Bi-2234 phase Evolution, Thermal Annealing Optimization, Solid-State Synthesis Route, Crystallographic Phase Transformation, SEM, AFM, XRD

Abstract

This study investigates the influence of annealing temperature on the structural and superconducting characteristics of Bi₂Sr₂Ca₃Cu₄O₁₀₊δ high-temperature superconductors synthesized using the solid-state reaction method. Samples were annealed at 650°C, 750°C, and 850°C in an oxygen-rich atmosphere to control phase formation, crystal structure, and superconducting behavior. X-ray diffraction (XRD) analysis confirmed a progressive transformation from low-CuO₂-layer phases to the Bi-2234 phase, with an optimal c/a ratio and crystallite size observed at 850°C. Electrical measurements showed enhanced superconductivity at 850°C, with a sharp transition temperature (T_c(on) = 115.8 K) and narrow ΔT_c, indicating high phase purity. SEM and AFM analyses revealed improved grain connectivity, reduced surface roughness, and enhanced structural uniformity at elevated temperatures. The results confirm that 850°C is the optimal annealing temperature for achieving superior structural integrity and superconducting performance in Bi-2234 compounds.

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