Overview on the electrochemical deposition of Bi-2212 films

In the framework of the coated tape superconductors, the electrolytic depos ition is one of. the chemical routes to obtain highly textured films either of the precursors or of the fully superconducting oxides. The technology w ill be reviewed with particular emphasis on the growth of Bi2Sr2CaCu2O8+del ta (Bi-2212) film on Ag tape. For this system, recent advancements have bee n achieved combining the electrolytic deposition with intermediate thermal treatments and with an adequate optimisation of the initial stoichiometry o f the deposited elements. A careful control of the morphology and amount of the not superconducting a lkaline earth cuprates phases, grown in the film, allows to reach high crit ical current density, tip to 40.000 A cm(-2), in self-field at 77K. A qualitative analysis by optical and electron microscopy, as well as a mor e quantitative analysis by x-ray diffraction reveals that the alignment of the Bi-2212 lamellas with the substrate as well as the decrease of the amou nt of the cuprates correlate with the superconducting transport properties.