Superconductivity and morphological studies on Bi2Sr2CaCu2O8 single crystals grown from stoichiometric and nonstoichiometric melts

Abstract

Single crystals of Bi2Sr2CaCu2O8 (2212) have been grown by self-flux technique using stoichiometric and non-stoichiometric melts of excess CuO and Bi2O3. Single-crystal and powder X-ray diffraction studies have been made on the grown crystals to confirm their single crystallinity and structure respectively. Resistivity and susceptibility measurements provide information on the superconducting nature of the crystals. The effects of fluxing agents and starting composition on surface morphology and superconducting properties have been discussed. © 1991 The Indian Academy of Sciences.