METAL IODIDES - NOVEL SOLUTION PRECURSORS TO CUPRATE SUPERCONDUCTORS

YBa2Cu3O7-delta (YBCO) was produced through oxidation of a 1:2:3 mixture Of YI3, BaI2.2H2O, and CuI solids. TGA of the iodides revealed low-temperature oxidation below 600-degrees-C of the iodide precursors to the oxides. Thin oriented films of orthorhombic YBCO were prepared by multiple spin coating, drying, and oxidizing solutions of the same solids mixture in acetonitrile/ethanol on a SrTiO3 single crystal. Confirmation of bulk and film structures were made with the aid of X-ray diffractograms, scanning electron and optical microscopy, and resistivity measurements. Typical "zero resistance" behavior at 90 K was observed for the iodide precursor derived YBCO.