Preparation and characterization of Bi2Sr2CaCu2O8+ δ thin films on MgO single crystal substrates by chemical solution deposition

Abstract: Bi2Sr2CaCu2O8 thin films have been deposited on MgO single crystal substrates by spin-coating a solution based on 2-ethylhexanoate precursors. Pyrolysis takes place between 200°C and 450°C and is accompanied by the release of 2-ethylhexanoic acid, CO2 and H2O vapour. Highly c-axis oriented Bi2Sr2CaCu2O8 films were obtained after heat treatment at 840°C in air. The highest Tc of 81K was measured in a 10-layer film. Subsequent post-annealing in Ar and pure O2 did not improve the superconducting properties of the films and resulted in the appearance of Bi2CaCuO5 or Bi2(Sr, Ca)2CuO6 impurities. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]