AbstractThe effect of oxygen partial pressure on stability of high-Tc phase in Bi-Pb-Sr-Ca-Cu-O system has been investigated using x-ray diffraction, resistivity and a.c. susceptibility measurements. It was found that part of the high-Tc phase in Bi-Pb-Sr-Ca-Cu-O system was transformed into the low-Tc phase (80 K) and insulating phases by heating in the temperature range 600 C to 880°C in O2 of one atmosphere. The original high-Tc phase was restored upon retreatment in a low oxygen partial pressure of 0.1 atmosphere. The reversible superconducting phase transformation is discussed in conjunction with the formation mechanism of the high-Tc phase in Bi-Pb-Sr-Ca-Cu-O system.
