Effect of Lithium Doping on the Properties of Tl-Based Superconductors

Abstract

The effects of lithium doping on the formation and properties of the T1-based superconductors have been studied. Lithium atoms up to around 3 mol.% have been added to the oxides of nominal composition Tl1.8Ba2Ca2.2Cu3Ox, and the usual solid-state reaction method has been applied. Lithium additions in the range 0.23-0.29 mol.% increase the fraction of the Tl-2223 phase and significantly improve the critical temperature of the samples. Higher amounts of lithium additions diminish the Tl-2223 phase, reduce the fraction of the Tl-2212 phase, and cause separate non-superconducting phases to be formed.