A new series of potential buffer layers for REBCO coated conductor

A new series of ReBiO3 (RBO, Re=Y, Sm or other lanthanide) layers have been prepared on single crystal LaAlO3 or SrTiO3 respectively by a low-cost chemical solution deposition (CSD) method, and their structures have been investigated. With deferent Re element, the ReBiO3 phase has a similar cubic lattice with the pseudo-cubic lattice parameter a' of about 3.81 similar to 3.94 angstrom, which is closely matched to that of the ReBa2Cu3Ox (RBCO). In addition, these ReBiO3 phase are stable when they are sintered on 750 similar to 1050 degrees C. After annealed below 850 degrees C in air, highly c-axis oriented ReBiO3 layers can be formed on the (100) plane of single crystal LaAlO3 or SrTiO3. Observed under SEM, these layers appear very dense, smooth, pinhole-free and crack-free morphology. With the matched lattice parameter, lower annealing temperature, good grain-orientation and smooth surface, ReBiO3 layers should be candidates for the buffer layers of RBCO coated conductor. As a proof, a superconducting layer of YBCO has been deposited also by a CSD approach on one of these layers and show good texture and expected superconductivity.