In situ observation of the formation of (Bi, Pb)2Sr2Ca2Cu3O10+x(110 K) using high-temperature X-ray diffraction

We investigated pre-reacted screen printed thick films of the stoichiometry Bi1.8Pb0.4Sr2Ca2Cu3O10+x (2223) using high-temperature X-ray diffraction. The measurements are to our knowledge the first X-ray measurements that directly show the formation of 2223 at high temperatures. The formation happens within about 2 hours but only small amounts of 2223 (20%) could be generated in the experiments, even at prolonged firing times. The measurements yield new insight into the formation mechanism and provide the means to investigate the process more closely in the future.