Seed layer, solution concentration and thickness effects on CSD-derived La2Zr2O7 buffer layers for coated conductors

La2Zr2O7/NiW buffer layers as very promising buffer layers for coated conductors were fabricated by chemical solution deposition using cheap precursors, La-acetate and Zr-(IV) n-propoxide (70% w/w in n-propanol). The effects on the orientation and microstructure of La2Zr2O7 buffer layers, including seed layer, thickness and solution concentration, were investigated. The results showed that insertion of a seed layer could obviously improve the crystallization and orientation, and decrease of single layer thickness could also obviously improve the in-plane orientation. The results of all metalorganic depositions derived YBCO/CeO2/La2Zr2O7/NiW showed that the prepared La2Zr2O7 buffer layers were suitable for coated conductors using all metalorganic depositions.