Published online by Cambridge University Press: 26 February 2011
Tl-2223 phase with a composition of Tl1.7Ca2.3Ba2Cu3O10 was prepared via a solid-state reaction route and systematically annealed under various conditions, including flowing oxygen, sealed quartz in vacuo, high oxygen pressures and hot isostatic press in an attempt to enhance the superconducting properties in the Tl-Ca-Ba-Cu-0 system. An almost monophasic sample was obtained by sintering at 910 °C for 3 hours in flowing oxygen. Most anneals enhance the Tc by 2 – 7 K, depending on the environment. When the sample is post-annealed at 820 °C for 16 hours in flowing oxygen it results in an optimal Tc of 127 K, as confirmed by magnetic susceptibility and electrical resistance measurements.