Mechanical activation of Y2O3, Ba(NO3)(2), Cu2CO3(OH)(2), and their st
oichiometric mixtures in high-energy planetary mills has an advantageo
us effect on the subsequent synthesis of YBa2Cu3O7-delta (123). Grindi
ng stoichiometric mixtures activates reaction of the components and ac
celerates formation of the product. The conditions for preparing tetra
gonal 123 are optimized to reduce energy consumption.