On the addition of silver to high T c (Y1Ba2Cu3O7− x ) superconductor

Abstract: The superconducting transition temperature of the highT _c compound Y₁Ba₂Cu₃O_7−x does not show degradation consequent upon the addition of metallic silver up to a concentration of 60 wt per cent. The X-ray diffraction data confirm that the oxygen deficient distorted orthorhombic perovskite structure of the pure compound stays intact as if silver does not enter the crystal lattice. SEM studies do show the presence of silver at the grain boundaries only. Silver is found to restrict the grain growth.