Overview on the electrochemical deposition of Bi-2212 films

In the framework of the coated tape superconductors, the electrolytic deposition is one of. the chemical routes to obtain highly textured films either of the precursors or of the fully superconducting oxides. The technology will be reviewed with particular emphasis on the growth of Bi2Sr2CaCu2O8+delta (Bi-2212) film on Ag tape. For this system, recent advancements have been achieved combining the electrolytic deposition with intermediate thermal treatments and with an adequate optimisation of the initial stoichiometry of the deposited elements. A careful control of the morphology and amount of the not superconducting alkaline earth cuprates phases, grown in the film, allows to reach high critical current density, tip to 40.000 A cm(-2), in self-field at 77K. A qualitative analysis by optical and electron microscopy, as well as a more quantitative analysis by x-ray diffraction reveals that the alignment of the Bi-2212 lamellas with the substrate as well as the decrease of the amount of the cuprates correlate with the superconducting transport properties.