Synthesis and characterization of 2234-phase Ti2Ba2Ca3Cu4O12 prepared near and at the melting point

Bulk samples of nearly-pure 2234-phase Tl2Ba2Ca3Cu4O12 were synthesized near the melting point from starting compositions of either Tl2Ba2Ca3.3Cu4Oz or Tl2Ba2Ca4Cu5Oz. Well crystallized 'clusters' of 2234-phase Tl2Ba2Ca3Cu4O12 were also prepared by melting the starting material Tl2Ba2Ca4Cu5Oz. The 2234-phase samples prepared in the present experiment exhibit Tc( rho =0) up to 119 K.