Synthesis and properties of the Bi-based superconducting powder prepared by the Pechini process

Bi-based superconductors are of great interest in high-temperature superconductors. We describe what is believed to be the first synthesis of these materials using the Pechini process, a low-temperature synthetic method that often yields inorganic oxide of excellent phase purity and well-controlled stoichiometry. Using this process, it has been possible to synthesize phase-pure Bi-2223 phase by calcining the appropriate polymeric precursors in air at 800 degrees C for several hours. The superconductivity studies show that the Pechini-synthesized materials appear to offer high-quality performance.