Fabrication of the HgBa2Ca2Cu3O8+x phase by the ampoule method

We studied the influence of nominal BaCaCuO precursor composition, prepared by different methods, reaction temperature, mercury and oxygen partial pressures on the formation of the HgBa2Ca2Cu3O8+x phase. High-quality Hg-1223 samples were prepared at 900 °C and nominal mercury gas pressure above 200 atm. X-ray diffraction, SEM/EDX analysis, Auger electron microprobe, TGA, magnetic susceptibility and resistivity measurements were used to characterized the samples.