Electrical and Structural Properties of Hg1Ba2Ca2Cu3O8+δ Superconductor Synthesized via Solid-State Reaction at Different Sintering Temperatures

Ahmed Majid Safi; Sabah Jalal  Fathi

doi:10.17605/cajmns.v6i4.2924

Ahmed Majid Safi Department of Physics, College of Education for Pure Science, University of Kirkuk, Iraq
Sabah Jalal Fathi Department of Physics, College of Education for Pure Science, University of Kirkuk, Iraq

DOI: https://doi.org/10.17605/cajmns.v6i4.2924

Keywords: Superconducting, Solid State Reaction, Structural Properties, Thermal Properties, Electrical Properties

Abstract

High-temperature superconducting samples of HgBa₂Ca₂Cu₃O_8+δ (Hg-1223) were synthesized via the solid-state reaction method and sintered at 800°C, 825°C, and 850°C to investigate the effect of sintering temperature on structural, microstructural, and superconducting properties. X-ray diffraction (XRD) analysis confirmed the formation of the Hg-1223 phase in all samples, with varying phase purity and lattice parameters. The sample sintered at 800°C showed the presence of secondary phases and incomplete crystallization, while higher temperatures improved crystallinity but introduced minor secondary phases. Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) at 5 μm magnification revealed progressive grain growth, enhanced connectivity, and reduced porosity with increasing sintering temperature, with the 850°C sample exhibiting the most compact and homogeneous microstructure. Electrical resistivity measurements demonstrated superconducting transitions with Tc(onset) ranging from 140.6 K to 149.7 K and T_c(offset) from 120 K to 129 K, with the transition width (ΔT_c) narrowing at intermediate temperatures, reflecting improved structural homogeneity and intergranular connectivity. The energy gap values remained approximately constant (~0.026–0.034 eV), confirming the presence of the superconducting phase. Overall, the solid-state reaction method effectively produces Hg-1223 superconductors, with the 850°C sample providing the optimal balance of phase formation, microstructural quality, and superconducting performance, suggesting its suitability for future high-temperature superconducting applications.

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