Structural evolution in lead substituted Bi–Sr–Ca–Cu–O superconductors
1991 ◽
Vol 6
(2)
◽
pp. 278-288
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Keyword(s):
X Ray
◽
The structural evolution and cationic stoichiometry of Bi(Pb)–Sr–Ca–Cu–O superconductors have been studied using transmission electron microscopy and x-ray microanalysis. The nature of the incommensurate modulation changes systematically as increasing amounts of lead are added. X-ray microanalysis studies reveal that lead replaces Bi in the structure. Pb addition improves the microstructural homogeneity leading to the formation of a nearly homogeneous sample consisting of the “2223” phase. Based upon all the experimental results, it is inferred that the role of Pb substitution is related to the thermodynamics and kinetics of the formation of the n = 3 phase.