Green synthesis of a YBa2Cu3O7 ceramic superconductor using the fruit extract of Juniperus phoenicea

Abstract

Plant extracts have gained significant attention as an eco-friendly method to synthesize metal and metal oxide NPs. The products usually consist of single-component metals and are rarely used for polyatomic ceramics. This study highlights the synthesis of a YBa2Cu3O7 superconductor using Arar fruit extract (Juniperus phoenicea). The formation of metal complexes was recorded and monitored via FTIR as an indication of capping and stabilizing of the metal complexes. The product was calcined at 900 ◦C for 10 h, pelletized, sintered at 920 ◦C for 15 h under oxygen flow and then cooled to room temperature with a cooling rate of 2 ◦C/min. XRD confirmed the phase formation of the superconducting phase where the Y123% exceeded 91%. The electrical transport behavior for the prepared Y123 showed metallic behavior with an offset temperature, TC(R = 0) (89 K), in a single step. Using plant extracts for green synthesis is an eco-friendly method that simplifies ceramic synthesis and can be scaled up for bulk and industrial applications.