The influence of CO2 on the stability of the compound Bi2.18Sr2CaCu2O8+d (2
212) has been determined as a function of temperature and time. 2212 has be
en found to be unstable at CO2 partial pressures above about 10(-2) bar. Si
ngle-phase 2212 ceramics decompose at such CO2 partial pressures forming li
quid + CuO + (Sr, Ca)CO3. Solubility of carbon in 2212 was not detected.