Electrodeposition of High Temperature Superconductors
Abstract
The overall objective of this project is to develop a process for direct electrodeposition of Y-Ba-Cu superconducting oxides from a molten salt at relatively low temperatures (300-550 C). The approach entails establishing a sequence of electrochemical steps for the layered deposition of the Y, Ba, Cu oxide species from a molten Na-K nitrate eutectic. In this reporting period, the electrochemical behavior of Y in the molten nitrate has been characterized. The results show that Y, like Cu, can also be electrochemically injected as a soluble species in the melt. A Y foil electrode was found to be very electrochemically active throughout the entire region of stability of the melt as shown by the current vs voltage curves in Fig. 2. Hence the material can readily dissolve by anodic electrolysis in the melt for voltages above-1 V. Note that a relatively low cathodic current occurs for potentials from -1 V to -1.9 V since the overvoltage for the solvent breakdown (-1.4 V on Pt) is dramatically shifted to more negative potentials at the Y surface.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Jun 30, 1991
- Accession Number
- ADA238227