Single crystal growth of YBa2Cu3O7−δ through a Pt compound intermediate phase
Abstract We report the synthesis of YBa 2 Cu 3 O 7−δ (Y-123 phase)-single crystals, through a different path to the traditional one – which involves Y 2 BaCuO 5 (Y-211 phase) as a precursor –. In our case, at 970°C a Pt compound appears: Y 2 Ba 3 Cu 2 PtO 10 which dissolves in the melt when heated at 1100°C allowing the growth of Y-123 phase. Large single crystals of Y-123 phase obtained through the route developed in this study showed good superconducting properties with a transition temperature onset at about 85 K; this transition temperature is shifted towards higher temperatures through oxygenation processes that are favoured by their dimensions.