Synthesis of cuprate superconductors

Abstract

There has been unprecedented activity pertaining to the synthesis and characterization of superconducting cuprates in the last few years. A variety of synthetic strategies has been employed to prepare pure monophasic cuprates of different families with good superconducting properties. Besides the traditional ceramic method, other methods such as coprecipitation and precursor methods, the sol-gel method, the alkali flux method and the combustion method have been employed for the synthesis of cuprates. Depending on the requirements, varying conditions such as high oxygen or hydrostatic pressure and low oxygen fugacity are employed in the synthesis. In this review, we discuss the synthesis of the various types of cuprate superconductors and point out the advantages and disadvantages of the different methods. We have provided the necessary preparative details, presenting the crucial information in tabular form wherever necessary.