Effect of Hydrogen Intercalation on the Structure of YBa2Cu3Oy with a Low Oxygen Content

Abstract

We used Raman spectroscopy to study the interaction of YBa₂Cu₃O_y (123) (y ≤ 6.5) with hydrogen at temperatures of 150–200°С. In contrast to the YBa₂Cu₃O_6.96 compound, compositions with low oxygen contents show a lower tendency to form stacking faults. We found that the hydrogenation of these compositions does not lead to the transformation of the 123 phase to the pseudo-124 phase. Absorbed hydrogen does not react with oxygen in 123 and does not form hydroxyl groups. The H_xYBa₂Cu₃O_y oxyhydride is the hydration-reaction product.