Influence of different elements on the superconducting properties of the YBa2Cu3Ox compound

Abstract The effect of adding different extra elements to the YBa 2 Cu 3 O 7 compound on its superconducting properties was investigated by means of X-ray diffraction and ac susceptibility methods. Structural changes induced by some elements were connected with a decrease of the critical temperature. Some elements, e.g. Si, had a destructive influence on superconductivity, but others, e.g. Ag, which precipitated on grain boundaries, increased the intergrain bonding thus contributing to stronger diamagnetism.