Properties of yttrium barium copper oxide (YBCO) containing vanadium

A series of several compositions of YBa2Cu3−xVxO7 were prepared by conventional solid state reaction. The influence of the vanadium on the microstructure of YBa2Cu3O7 was investigated by X-ray diffraction and electron dispersion spectroscopy in terms of the cell parameter variation and the presence of vanadium-rich secondary phases. The results have been correlated with the transport and superconducting properties. The experimental results revealed a solubility limit for vanadium in the 123 phase, a small change in the superconducting transition temperature, and a considerable influence on the volume fraction of the superconducting phase. Further research will determine the suitability of these materials for power transmission application.