Electrochemical oxidation of Y1Ba2Cu3 alloyed layers using an alkaline bath

The electrochemical oxidation of Y1Ba2Cu3 alloyed layers using an alkaline bath are reported for the first time. The alloyed Y-Ba-Cu films were electr odeposited onto silver substrates at a deposition potential of -1.75 V with respect to a saturated calomel electrode (SCE) from a dimethyl sulfoxide ( DMSO) bath. Intercalation of oxygen species into Y-Ba-Cu alloy films was th en carried out at room temperature using the electrochemical technique. The room-temperature electrochemical technique for oxygenation reduces the rea ction time and avoids annealing at higher temperatures. The Y1Ba2Cu3O7-delt a thin films were prepared with different oxidation periods and studied for structural, microstructural and electrical properties. (C) 2001 Elsevier S cience B.V. All rights reserved.