Influence of the heating ramp on the superconducting properties of YBa2Cu3O7 − δ films using chemical solution deposition in a direct sintering method

• A direct sintering process eliminated preceding calcination steps
• Highly c-axis YBa2Cu3O7 − δ films were grown on SrTiO3 substrates.
• Examination of the influence of the heating ramp in this direct sintering process
• Superconductivity observed in a broad range of heating ramps
• A fast and easy, industrially attractive sintering process is obtained.

YBa2Cu3O7 − δ films were produced on (00l) SrTiO3 single crystal substrates by a sustainable fluorine-free chemical solution deposition method. Using water as the primary solvent and low-cost precursors, a direct sintering process without calcination could be obtained. Variation of the heating rate towards the sintering temperature showed a strong effect on texture, surface morphology, phase purity and concurrent superconducting properties. Using an optimized heating rate of 5 °C min− 1, superconducting films were produced with an onset critical temperature of 92 K, a difference in critical temperature during transition of 1.8 K, a critical current density of 1.1 MA cm− 2 and a critical current of 50 A cm− 1 width at 77 K and self-field.