Bi-Sr-Ca-Cu-O and Pb-Bi-Sr-Ca-Cu-O superconductor films via an electrodeposition process

A novel electrochemical process has been developed for the formation of superconducting films. Using this process, superconducting films of Bi ₂Sr₂Ca₁Cu₂O₈ and (Pb,Bi)₂Sr₂Ca₁Cu₂O₈ have been formed. The process consists of simultaneously depositing the metallic constituents of the superconductor from a single electrolyte, and thermally oxidizing the resulting precursor film to form the superconducting phase. Application of -4 to -5 V vs Ag/Ag⁺ to a conductive cathode substrate, immersed in an electrolyte containing salts of all of the metals, reduces the metal cations causing them to deposit on the cathode as a metallic film precursor. Precursor films having desired stoichiometries were obtained by regulating the electrolyte bath composition.