New synthetic approach to yttrium hydroxoacetates, structural characterization, and use as a precursor for coated conductors

A novel synthetic approach is given for the preparation of a metal−organic lanthanide sol−gel precursor solution and its application for the production of coated conductors. Besides all other problems concerning the technical process itself, the key to a successful deposition of oxide layers is the choice of the precursor solution and the understanding of the mechanism of deposition. Moreover, the isolation and characterization of the species involved in the reaction is very important. Regarding the complex process occurring during the formation of the surface layer, it is obvious that the best choice should have a compound already containing the final composition of the layer. Two compounds of composition [Y(OAc)3(H2O)2]2 (1) and [Y(OAc)3]2(H2O) (2) were isolated from their precursor solution and characterized by X-ray structural analysis. A short outlook will give an insight into the possible bonding mechanisms of the surface layer. These experiments were made with the mixed metal−oxide system yttrium-s...