Single crystal growth of YBa2Cu3O7-delta through a Pt compound intermediate phase

We report the synthesis of YBa2Cu3O7-delta (Y-123 phase)-single crystals, t hrough a different path to the traditional one - which involves Y2BaCuO5 (Y -211 phase) as a precursor -. In our case, at 970 degrees C a Pt compound a ppears: Y2Ba3Cu2PtO10 which dissolves in the melt when heated at 1100 degre es C allowing the growth of Y-123 phase. Large single crystals of Y-123 pha se obtained through the route developed in this study showed good supercond ucting properties with a transition temperature onset at about 85 K; this t ransition temperature is shifted towards higher temperatures through oxygen ation processes that are favoured by their dimensions. (C) 1999 Elsevier Sc ience B.V. All rights reserved.