Structure and Properties of Hydrogen-Intercalated YBa2Cu3Oy

The effect of hydrogenation at 150 and 200 degrees C on the structure and magnetic susceptibility of YBa2Cu3Oy (123) with different hydrogen contents has been studied. Upon the incorporation of hydrogen, the phase transition of the 123 phase into a defect tetragonal 124 phase occurs. In contrast to the transition upon hydration, the phase transition upon hydrogenation takes place only for compounds characterized by high oxygen contents (y > 6.5). Depending on the compound structure and oxygen content, hydrogen atoms can both occupy interstitials in Cu-O planes to form HYBa2Cu3O6 and join with oxygen to form an oxide-hydroxide. In contrast to hydration, upon hydrogenation of YBa2Cu3Oy, the substitution of europium for yttrium and alloying with cerium and zirconium oxides do not block the intercalation of hydrogen into the structure of the 123 compound.