Published online by Cambridge University Press: 28 February 2011
Nonstoichiometry in YBa2Cu3Ox has been studied by means of equilibrium electrical conductivity and thermogravimetric method. We have observed a strong correlation between electrical resistivity and oxygen stoichiometry (x) at high temperature. Electrical resistivities increase linearly from the superconducting onset tcmperature(100 K) to 450 C where oxygen starts to evolve from this material, and then begin to deviate from linear temperature dependence. The experimental results indicate that electrical resistivity in this material is associated with the defect species (charge carrier) population due to oxygen stoichiometry. Electrical conductivities were also measured as a function of oxygen partial pressure (1 to 10−4 atm) at various temperatures. At P(OI) > 101 atm the conductivity shows a l/4th slope dependence on oxygen partial pressure while at P(0;) < 10 f atm the conductivity is proportional to P(O2)1/2- The conductivity behavior with oxygen stoichiometry suggests that the electron holes associated with Cu+ play an important role as charge carriers in this material, and even at x < 6.5 p-typc conduction is predominant.