Influence of oxygen partial pressure on the kinetics of YBa2Cu3O7−x formation
The YBa2Cu3O7−x formation kinetics from a spray-roasted precursor powder containing Y2O3, BaCO3, and CuO was followed via in situ, time-resolved x-ray diffraction as a function of gas atmosphere and temperature. In inert atmospheres, BaCO3 and CuO form BaCu2O2 which subsequently reacts with Y2O3 to form YBa2Cu3O6. However, YBa2Cu3O6 decomposes at temperatures exceeding 725 °C with Y2BaCuO5 being one of the decomposition products. In oxidizing atmospheres, YBa2Cu3O7−x formation involves the BaCuO2. At high temperatures (800–840 °C), oxygen increases the yield of YBa2Cu3O6. A nuclei growth model assuming two-dimensional, diffusion-controlled growth with second-order nucleation rate fits the experimental data.