Preparation of YBa2Cu3O7−x superconductor by coprecipitation of nanosize oxalate precursor powder in microemulsions

We describe a new technique for the synthesis of ultra-homogeneous nanoparticles of precursor oxalate powders by coprecipitation in the aqueous cores of water-in-oil microemulsions for the preparation of YBa2Cu3O7−x (1-2-3) oxide superconductors. This novel technique ensures uniform mixing of cations down to the scale of 10 nm. This ultrafine powder results in phase pure “1-2-3” oxide superconducting material of almost theoretical density and >...