Crystallographic, microstructural and magnetic properties of polycrystalline PrBa2Cu3O7-delta

In this work we report on an extensive study devoted to obtaining phase pur e PrBa2Cu3O7-delta polycrystalline sintered samples. We have prepared sampl es by a polymeric precursors routine. Several synthesis routes with differe nt heat treatments and atmosphere conditions were performed followed by x-r ay diffraction in conjunction with Rietveld refinement, Scanning electron m icroscopy and x-ray photoelectron spectroscopy analysis. Magnetic measureme nts show an antiferromagnetic transition at low temperatures and paramagnet ic behaviour for temperatures above 11 K.