Reaction of Ba2YCu3O6.9 films with yttria-stabilized zirconia substrates

Abstract

Degradation of Ba2YCu3O6.9 films on yttria-stabilized zirconia substrates is shown to proceed by barium depletion from the film and barium zirconate formation. This process is accompanied by a decrease in the temperature of zero resistivity and ultimately produces Y2Cu2O5 and CuO. BaZrO3 is, however, found to be inert to Ba2YCu3O6.9 at 950 °C. Use of a truly chemically inert substrate material may permit extended heat treatment of films without degradation due to substrate interactions.