Synthesis and structural characterization of BaPrO3

Abstract

BaPrO₃ phase is not only interesting from the point of dual conductivity but is also a candidate for the artificial pinning centre in rare-earth superconducting cuprates. For this purpose, the phase must be carbonate-free. This work compares co-precipitation and solid-state reaction at the synthesis of BaPrO₃. The co-precipitation of a Ba^II/Pr^III solution was done with a NaOH solution; also, the addition of H₂O₂ was tested to enhance the oxidation of praseodymium at the precipitation. The solid-state reaction was applied to a mixture of Pr₆O₁₁ and BaCO₃ or, alternatively, Ba(OH)₂. Precursor powders from both synthesis routes were annealed either at 1 000 ^◦C or 1 200 ^◦C. Barium carbonate was present in all solid-state samples, even after annealing at 1 200 ^◦C. On the other hand, the co-precipitation was able to prepare carbonate-free samples already after annealing at 1 000 ^◦C.