Preparation of YBa/sub 2/Cu/sub 3/O/sub 7/ powders by molten salt route

Superconducting YBa/sub 2/Cu/sub 3/O/sub 7/ powders were prepared by using a molten-salt process. Superconducting powders were obtained by heating the molten salt to first solidify, and then to decompose into oxide form. The precursor from copper acetate salt underwent a pyrophoric reaction upon heating while that from copper nitrate required external heating for decomposition. Powders from copper acetate were large ( approximately 10 mu m) and highly porous.<
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