Comparative study and properties of RuSr2Gd1.4Ce0.6Cu2O10-delta ruthenocuprate samples by different preparation methods

Two different synthetic routes to synthesize the magnetic superconductor RuSr2Gd1.4Ce0.6Cu2O10-? (Ru-1222) have been reported as an alternative method to the solid state reaction starting from the oxides of Ru, Gd, Ce, Cu and SrCO3. The 1222-phase has been namely prepared by mixing and reacting proper amounts of: (a) the 1212-phase (RuSr2GdCu2O8) with the mixed oxide Ce0.6Gd0.4O1.8; (b) the 1212-phase with the separate oxides Gd2O3 and CeO2. The possibility to obtain a pure Ru-1222 phase has been discussed and the effect of the different synthetic paths on the purity, structural and physical properties of the compound has been presented.