AEROSOL PROCESSING OF YBACUO SUPERCONDUCTORS IN A FLAME REACTOR

Submicron YBa2Cu3O7-delta particles have been produced in an aerosol flame reactor by a spray pyrolysis method in which an aerosol composed of an aqueous solution of Y, Ba, and Cu nitrate salts was introduced into a flame. It was observed that the configuration of the flame is particularly important for the successful application of the method. A premixed flame gave particles with an x-ray diffraction pattern resembling the XRD spectra of materials exposed to high concentrations of water vapor. An over-ventilated diffusion flame configuration produced the desired result: submicron unagglomerated, solid crystalline particles with T(c) = 92 K.