On the addition of silver to highT c (Y1Ba2Cu3O7−x ) superconductor

The superconducting transition temperature of the highT c compound Y1Ba2Cu3O7−x does not show degradation consequent upon the addition of metallic silver up to a concentration of 60 wt per cent. The X-ray diffraction data confirm that the oxygen deficient distorted orthorhombic perovskite structure of the pure compound stays intact as if silver does not enter the crystal lattice. SEM studies do show the presence of silver at the grain boundaries only. Silver is found to restrict the grain growth.