INTERACTION BETWEEN BIPBSRCACUO POWDER AND AMBIENT ATMOSPHERE

Interaction between BiPbSrCaCuO powders for fabricating (Bi,Pb)(2)Sr2C a2Cu3Ox superconductors synthesized by different methods and different ambient atmosphere during grinding and the effect on superconductivit y have been systematically studied by Fourier transition infrared spec troscopy (FTIR) X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) and Auger elect ron spectroscopy (AES). It is shown that grinding of powders in air ca uses the powders to chemically adsorb CO2 and H2O from the air while n o chemical adsorption occurs in argon. The mechanisms of the interacti on have been shown to be related with the Bi2Sr2CaCu2Ox (2212) phase a nd are discussed based on the structural characteristics of the 2212 p hase. Our results highlight the necessity to handle BiPbSrCaCuO powder in an inactive atmosphere such as argon to realize the best supercond uctivity. (C) 1997 Elsevier Science B.V.