A comparison of several solution syntheses with a solid-state route to
the lead-containing high T(c) phase of the Bi-Sr-Ca-Cu-O system has b
een performed using DSC, TGA, x-ray diffraction, electron microscopy,
magnetic ac susceptibility, and critical-current measurements. A novel
polymer solution synthesis route is shown to yield an increased perce
ntage of the 2223 high T(c) phase when sintering is performed at the l
ow temperature end of this phase's stability range. Under the best pre
parative conditions given in the literature, however, the properties o
f samples obtained with the different synthetic methods described in t
he present study are shown to be similar. Samples derived from solutio
n syntheses have been found to contain higher amounts of carbon precip
itates, while samples derived from conventional solid-state synthesis
contain CuO precipitates, according to energy dispersive spectroscopy
analyses.