Abstract
This study explores the effect of nitrous oxide (N2O) on the synthesis of high-temperature superconductor YBCO via the solid-phase synthesis method. Due to its ability to decompose at high temperatures and release oxygen, N2O was considered a potential alternative oxygen source. The material underwent thermal treatment in an N2O atmosphere for 8, 10, and 12 hours, followed by post-oxygenation in an O2 flow. The phase composition and structure were analyzed using X-ray diffraction (XRD) and scanning electron microscopy (SEM), while the superconducting properties were evaluated through magnetic measurements using the PPMS system. The sample treated for 10 hours exhibited predominant Y-123 phase formation, enhanced microstructural densification, a superconducting transition temperature up to 91.8 K, and a strong diamagnetic response. These findings demonstrate the viability of using N2O as an alternative oxidizing agent in the synthesis of high-temperature superconductors.