Materials chemistry and thermodynamics of REBa₂Cu₃O7−x

This review focuses on the materials chemistry and thermodynamics of the REBa 2 Cu 3 O 7−x (RE = rare earth) series of superconductors. The importance of this basic information for predicting and controlling structure and microstructure of single crystals, thin films, and bulk materials is discussed. Examples of where an understanding of the thermodynamics has led to advances in processing are presented, and future areas of research that are key to the second decade of superconductor processing are highlighted.