COMPOSITION AND PROCESS FOR PREPARING COMPOUND METAL OXIDES

Abstract: A composition for forming a compound metal oxide of a specific compsotion and a process for preparing said compound oxide are disclosed. The composition comprises an alkoxide of a rare earth metal, an alkoxide of an alkaline earth metal and an organic acid salt of an organic complex of copper. The process comprises refluxing said composition for reaction and thermally decomposing the reaction product. Also a film-forming composition for forming a thin layer of a compound metal oxide is disclosed. Said film-forming compound comprises the above-mentioned composition plus a film forming resin and an organic solvent.

Description: Description for the following Contracting States : BE, IT, NL, SE Field of the Invention This invention relates to a composition and a process for preparing compound metal oxides. More specifically, this invention relates to composition and a process for preparing compound metal oxides which have specific compositions and are useful as superconductor materials, oxygen sensors, catalysts, etc. Especially, compound metal oxides of a rare earth metal, an alkaline earth metal and copper of specific compositions have recently drawn attention as superconductor materials which exhibit superconductivity at temperatures over 77K. Background of the Invention As methods for preparing compound metal oxides, there have been known processes in which (1) Oxides, carbonates or oxalates of the respective component metals are physically mixed in the state of powder, whereafter the mixture is fired and pulverized; (2) Water-soluble salts such as nitrates of the respective component metals are dissolved in water to make a homogeneous solution, the metals are coprecipitated as insoluble hydroxide, carbonate, oxalates, etc. by addition of hydroxide ions, carbonate ions, oxalate ions, etc. the precipitate is collected and fired into a compound metal oxide, etc. In process (1), powders are mixed and fired. Therefore, the reaction proceeds from the contact boundaries of the powder particles and there remain some unreacted portions. Thus the product often deviates in composition from the intended exact composition. In process (2), the condition of precipitation differs from metal to metal. Therefore, a precipitate containing a rare earth metal, an alkaline earth metal and copper, for instance, in the content ratio exactly the same as the content ratio in the solution is not always formed. Therefore, a compound metal oxide of a composition different from that intended is inevitably formed. US -A- 4 485 094 describes the preparation of an continuous film of mixed metal oxides in which a solution of an alkoxide source of one of the metals, a chelate source of a second metal and sufficient solvent to solubilize these compounds is added with water, applied to the surface of a substrate to form a coating and then heated to at least 500° C to evaporate the solvent and produce the mixed oxide. The thus produced mixed metal oxide film is used to make electrodes for solar cells. The above-mentioned problems can be solved by heating for reaction a composition comprising an alkoxide of a rare earth metal, an alkoxide of an alkaline earth metal and an organic acid salt, a β-diketone complex, a β-ketoester complex or a Schiff base chelate complex of copper, optionally containing an organic solvent, and thermally decomposing the reaction product. Summary of the Invention This invention provides a composition for preparing a compound oxides of a rare earth metal, an alkaline earth metal and copper in a specific content ratio, which contains: (1) an alkoxide of a rare earth metal, (2) an alkoxide of an alkaline earth metal, and (3) an organic acid salt, a β-diketone complex, a β-ketoester complex or a Schiff base chelate complex of copper in such content ratio that the amount of the rare earth metal in said alkoxide, the amount of the alkaline earth metal in said alkoxide and the amount of copper in said organic acid salt or complex correspond to the amounts of these metals in the object compound metal oxide, and further optionally containing (4) an organic solvent. This invention also provides a process for preparing a compound metal oxide of a rare earth metal, an alkaline earth metal and copper in a specific content ratio, which comprises: heating for reaction a composition which contains: (1) an alkoxide of a rare earth metal, (2) an alkoxide of an alkaline earth metal, and (3) an organic acid salt, a β-diketone complex, a β-ketoester complex or a Schiff base chelate complex of copper, in such content ratio that the amount of the rare earth metal in said alkoxide, the amount of the alkaline earth metal in said alkoxide and the amount of copper in said organic acid salt or complex correspond to the amounts of these metals in the object compound metal oxide, and optionally containing (4) an organic solvent; thermally decomposing the formed reaction product. Further, this invention describes the use of the compound metal oxides composition for forming thin film of the compound metal oxide. Said composition comprises the above-described composition to which a film-forming resin and an organic solvent are added. In the present invention, the term "rare earth metal" means Sc, Y, La, Ce, Pr, Nd, Pm, Sm, Eu, Gd, Tb, Dy, Ho, Er, Tm, Yb and Lu. In the present invention, the term "alkaline earth metal" means Be, Mg, Ca, Sr and Ba. In the present invention, alkoxides of rare earth metals are represented by the formula R(OR¹) (OR²) (OR³), wherein R stands for one rare earth metal, R¹ R² and R³ are the same or different C₁-C₆ alkyl groups. In the present invention, alkoxides of alkaline earth metals are represented by the formula A(OR¹) (OR²), wherein A stands for an alkaline earth metal and R¹ and R² are the same or different C₁-C₆ alkyl groups. In the present invention, specific examples of the organic acid salts of copper are formate, propionate, acetate, citrate, gluconate, tartrate, oxalate, etc. β-Diketone complexes and β-ketoester complexes of copper are represented by the formula Cu(OR) ℓ (X) m , wherein R is a C₁-C₆ hydrocarbyl group, ℓ=0 or 1; m=1 or 2 and ℓ+m=2; and X stands for a group represented by the formula wherein R¹ and R² are respectively a C₁-C₆ hydrocarbyl group, and R³ is a hydrogen atom or a C₁-C₆ hydrocarbyl group. Schiff base chelate complexes of copper are represented by the formula wherein R¹ and R³ is -CH₃, -C₂H₅, C₆H₅ or -CF₃; R² is -H, -CH₃, - C₂H₅, -C₆H₅ or -CF₃; and B is -(CH₂) n -, wherein n is 2, 3 or 4, Of these copper complexes, Schiff base chelate complexes are most preferable, because the solubility thereof in organic solvents is highest and thus compound metal oxides of higher copper content can be prepared. In the present invention, almost all organic solvents can be used if they dissolve the above-mentioned alkoxides, copper salts, and the above-mentioned copper complexes. Specific examples of such solvents are esters such as ethyl acetate, ethyl propionate, etc.; alcohols such as methyl alcohol, ethyl alcohol, n- and iso-propyl alcohol, n-, iso- and tert-butyl alcohol, octyl alcohol; aliphatic saturated hydrocarbons such as pentane, cyclohexane, methylcyclohexane, etc.; aromatic hydrocarbons such as benzene, toluene xylene, etc.; cycloethers such as tetrahydrofuran, dioxane, etc.; cellosolves such as methyl cellosolves, ethyl cellosolve, butyl cellosolve, etc. ; formamides such as dimethylformamide, diethylformamide, etc. ; sulfoxides such as dimethyl sulfoxide, diethyl sulfoxide, etc. ; ketones such as acetone, methylethylketone, etc. The solvents can be used singly or in combination. The solvent should preferably be well dried and free from carbon dioxide gas. The composition of the present invention can be prepared by simply mixing the component compounds each in an predetermined amount usually together with a suitable amount of a suitable solvent. In order to assist dissolution of the components, the mixture can be heated, but the temperature should not exceed 100°C to avoid decomposition or premature reaction of the components. The process of the present invention is carried out as follows. The above composition is heated usually with a solvent added usually preferably at the reflux temperature. A small amount of water can be added so as to promote the reaction. It is not yet well understood what is formed by this reaction. However, it is sure that a precursor substance for the compound metal oxide is formed. The thermal decomposition of this reaction product mixture is preferably conducted in the sprayed condition. For instance, the reaction product mixture can be sprayed into a heated quartz reaction tube through a pressure nozzle or a two-fluid nozzle. The reaction product mixture can be dropped onto a rapidly rotating disc and the formed fine drops are introduced into a high temperature reaction zone. Or, supersonic wave can be applied to the reaction product mixture so as to produce mist of the mixture, which is then introduced into a high temperature reaction zone. Thus the reaction product is thermally decomposed into the object compound oxide in the form of powder. Or, the reaction product mixture can be applied on the surface of a substrate and thermally decomposed. Thus a film of a compound metal oxide, a superconductive layer for instance, can be formed. The thermal decomposition of said reaction product mixture requires a temperature not lower than 500°C. But on the other hand, it is preferred to carry out the decomposition at a temperature not higher than 1000°C. If the decomposition occurs at a temperature in excess of 1000°C, thermal decomposition starts from the surface of the drops and polymerization of oxide is incomplete and thus hollow particles are formed. At temperatures below 500°C, the thermal decomposition is insufficient and some reaction product remains although polymerization of the oxides proceeds. As mentioned above, the reaction product mixture can be applied on the surface of a substrate and thermally decomposed to form a compound metal oxide. In this case, cellulosic polymers such as methyl cellulose, ethyl cellulose, nitro cellulose, ethylhydroxyethyl cellulose, etc. are preferred as film-forming resins. One or more of these resins are added to the composition of the present invention. Benzene, toluene, methyl cellosolve, ethyl cellosolve, etc. are preferred solvents. Specific Disclosure of the Invention Now the invention will be explained by way of working examples and comparative examples. Example 1 Lanthanum triethoxide La(OC₂H₅)₃, strontium diethoxide Sr(OC₂H₅)₂ and copper acetyl acetonate Cu(CH₃COCHCOCH₃)₂ were dissolved in ethanol in a dried nitrogen atmosphere in a content ratio that the atomic ratio La:Sr:Cu was 1.8:0.2:1, and the solution was heated under refluxing for 4 hours. Thus a reaction product mixture was obtained. After the pH thereof was adjusted to 10.0 - 11.0 by addition of ammoniacal water diluted with pure water, and heating was continued to effect hydrolysis. A precipitate was formed and heating was continued further for 3 hours under refluxing. The precipitate was collected by centrifugation of 4000 rpm, and dried at 250°C for 4 hours. The dried precipitate was fired in air at 1000°C for 2 hours, the fired product was annealed at 900°C for 3 hours and cooled in the furnace. Thus powder of the object compound metal oxide was obtained. According to the X-ray diffraction analysis, the composition of the obtained powder was almost perfectly in accord with La 1.8 Sr 0.2 CuO 4-x , wherein x is a small fraction which represents deviation from the stoichiometric relation, and cannot be specified for the time being. This powder was pelletized and its superconductivity critical temperature (Tc) was measured and it was proved to be 40K. Example 2 Yttrium triisopropoxide Y[OCH(CH₃)₂]₃, barium diisopropoxide Ba[OCH(CH₃)₂]₂ and copper methoxy acetyl acetonate Cu(OCH₃) (CH₃-COCHCOCH₃) were dissolved in anhydrous isopropyl alcohol in a dried nitrogen atomosphere in such content ratio that the atomic ratio Y:Ba:Cu is 1.2:0.8:1. The solution was heated under refluxing and a homogeneous stable composition for preparing a compound metal oxide was obtained. The pH of this liquid was adjusted to 10.0 - 11.0 by addition of ammonical water and hydrolysis was conducted by heating. After precipitate was formed, heating under refluxing was continued. The presipitate was collected by centrfugation of 4000 rpm, dried in a microwave oven for 30 minutes, and fired in air at 900°C for 2 hours. The fired product was annealed at 900°C for 4 hours and cooled in furnace. Thus the object compound metal oxide was obtained. According to the X-ray diffraction analysis, the composition of the obtained powder was Y 1.2 Ba 0.8 CuO 4-x , which was entirely in accord with the intended composition. The powder was pelletized and superconductivity critical temperature (Tc) was measured and it was proved to be 100K. Example 3 - 20 and Comparative Example 1 - 2 A plurality of compound metal oxides shown in Table 1 were prepared using starting materials indicated in the table by the same procedures as described above and superconductivity critical temperature was determined in the same manner. The results are shown in the same table. Example 21 Yttrium triisopropoxide Y[OCH(CH₃)₂]₃, barium diisopropoxide Ba[OCH(CH₃₋)₂]₂ and copper acetyl acetonate Cu(CH₃COCHCOCH₃)₂ were respectively dissolved in isopropanol so that the concentration was 0.035 mol/ℓ. 100 mℓ, 200 mℓ and 300 mℓ of the respective solutions were taken and mixed and stirred sufficiently. The resulting solution was heated under refluxing for 4 hours. The obtained reaction product mixture was sprayed into a quartz tube 90 mm in the inside diameter and 1 m in length which was heated at 700°C through a nozzle of 0.4 mm diameter by blowing air in as a carrier gas at the rate of 10 ℓ/min. Additional air was blown in as an auxiliary carrier gas at the rate of 6 ℓ/min. Thus a compound metal oxide powder was obtained by thermal decomposition. X-ray diffraction analysis of this powder revealed that the composition of the compound was YBa₂Cu₃O 7-x , which was the same content ratio of the metals as that in the initial solution. The obtained powder was observed under electron micrograph and was proved that the particle thereof is a secondary particle which is filled with primary particles having a diameter of 0.03 µm. The powder was compacted into pellets and sintered at 900°C for 2 hours, and the sintered pellets were annealed in an oxygen atmosphere at 850°C for 10 hours and cooled slowly. The superconductivity critical temperature of this pellet was measured and it was revealed that this substance exhibits a constant value of Tc=110K, and that the difference between the onset temperature and the end temperature was within 5K. Another portion of the above reaction product mixture was sprayed onto a hot plate heated at 500°C through a double tube nozzle. The thermal decomposition product remained as powder on the hot plate was collected. Chemical analysis revealed that the composition of the powder was YBa₂Cu₃O 7-x . Example 22 Ytterbium triethoxide Yb(OC₂H₅)₃, barium diethoxide BA(OC₂H₅)₂ and copper methoxy acetyl acetonate Cu(OCH₃) (CH₃COCHCOCH₃) were respectively dissolved in ethanol so that the concentration was 0.035 mole/ℓ.100 mℓ, 300 mℓ and 400 mℓ of the respective solutions were taken and mixed and stirred sufficiently. The resulting solution was heated under refluxing for 3 hours. The reaction product mixture was treated in the same manner as in Example 1, and a homogeneous and stable compound metal oxide was obtained. Physical properties of the thus obtained compound metal oxide powder were measured. The composition was cofirmed to be Yb 0.25 Ba 0.75 CuO 3-x by X-ray diffraction analysis. It was revealed from electron micrograph observation that the powder comprises secondary particles each packed with 0.03 µm primary particles. Superconductivity critical temperature (Tc) was determined in the same manner as in Example 21 and it was 100K. The difference between the onset temperature and the end temperature was within 5K. Example 23 Thulium trimethoxide Tm(OCH₃)₃, strontium dimethoxide Sr(OCH₃)₂ and copper acetyl acetonate Cu(CH₃COCHCOCH₃)₂ were respectively dissolved in methanol so that the concentration was 0.035 mol/ℓ. 300 mℓ, 100 mℓ and 200 mℓ of the respective solutions were taken and mixed and stirred sufficiently. The resulting solution was heated under refluxing for 4 hours. The reaction product mixture was treated in the same manner as in Example 21, and a homogeneous and stable compound metal oxide was obtained. Physical properties of the thus obtained compound metal oxide powder were measured. The composition was cofirmed to be Tm 1.5 Sr 0.5 CuO 3-x by X-ray diffraction analysis. It was revealed by electron micrograph observation that the powder comprises secondary particles each packed with 0.02 µm primary particles. Superconductivity critical temperature (Tc) was determined in the same manner as in Example 21 and it was 47K. And the difference between the onset temperature and the end temperature was within 5K. Example 24 Lanthanum triisopropoxide La[OC(OCH₃)₂]₃, strontium diisopropoxide Sr[OC(CH₃)₂]₂ and copper acetate Cu(CH₃COO)₂ were respectively dissolved in isopropanol so that the concentration was 0.035 mol/ℓ. 300 mℓ, 100 mℓ and 200 mℓ of the respective solutions were taken and mixed and stirred sufficiently. The resulting solution was heated under refluxing for 4 hours. The reaction product mixture was treated in the same manner as in Example 21, and a homogeneous and stable compound metal oxide was obtained. Physical properties of the thus obtained compound metal oxide powder were measured. The composition was cofirmed to be La 1.5 Sr 0.5 CuO 3-x by X-ray diffractometry. It was revealed by electron micrograph observation that the powder comprises secondary particles each packed with 0.02 µm primary particles. Superconductivity critical temperature (Tc) was determined in the same manner as in Example 21, and it was 49K. The difference between the onset temperature and the end temperature was within 5K. Example 25 4.7g of yttrium isopropoxide Y[(OCH(CH₃)₂]₃ 8.9g of barium isopropoxide Ba[OCH(CH₃)₂]₂ and 15.0g of Schiff base chelate of copper (atomic ratio of Y:Ba:Cu=1:2:3) were dissolved in 1ℓ of CO₂-free dried toluene by heating. To this solution 40 mℓ of ammonical water (pH 11) was added. A precipitate was formed. It was collected by centrifugation of 4000rpm and fired at 1000°C for 2 hours. The fired product was annealed at 900°C for 3 hours and cooled in the furnace . Thus the object compound metal oxide was prepared. According to X-ray diffraction analysis, the composition of the obtained powder was YBa₂Cu₃O 7-x . The powder was pelletized and superconductivity critical temperature (Tc) was determined and it was 90K. Example 26 - 29 Each combination of an yttrium alkoxide, a barium alkoxide, Schiff base chelate of copper and a solvent shown in Table 2 was homogeneously mixed into a solution and the solution was heated under refluxing. The resulting composition was sprayed onto a PSZ (partially stabilized zirconia) substrate plate heated at 500°C so as to thermally decompose it and form a film of each compound metal oxide. The substrate with the film was heated at 800°C in air for 3 hours. Thus coating layers of 0.5 - 2 µ were formed. According to X-ray diffraction analysis, the formed coating film comprises more than 90% of YBa₂Cu₃O 7-x superconductive phase. The superconductivity critical temperature (Tc) was determined and it was 80 - 90K. Example 30 (Reference) 12.0g of copper acetyl acetonate Cu(CH₃COCHCOCH₃)₂ was added to 1ℓ of benzen solution containing: 4.0g of yttrium isopropoxide Y[OCH(CH₃)₂]₃ and 7.8g of barium isopropoxide Ba[OCH(CH₃)₂]₂, An insoluible precipitate was formed. It was revealed that the copper concentration could not be raised to higher than 3g/ℓ. Example 31 Yttrium tri-n-butoxide Y(OC₄H₉)₃, barium di-n-butoxide Ba(OC₄H₉)₂ and copper butoxy acetyl acetonate Cu(OC₄H₉)(CH₃COCHCOCH₃) were dissolved in toluene in a molar ratio of 1:2:3 and the solution was heated under refluxing for 3 hours in a nitrogen atmosphere. Thereafater, ethyl cellulose was dissolved in the solution and thus a film-forming composition was obtained. The obtained film-forming composition was printed on a zirconia substrate plate through a 250 mesh screen made of stainless steel screen with the resist film of 10 µm thickness and preliminarily dried at 150°C for 20 minutes and fired at 900°C for 1 hour, and thus YBa₂Cu₃O 7-x film was formed. The superconductivity critical temperature (Tc) was determined by the four probe mthod. It was 92K. Examples 32 - 57, 59 - 60 and Comparative Examples 3 - 7 By the same procedures as in Example 31, superconductive films were formed under the conditions indicated in Tables 3 and 4. The results are also indicated in the same tables. These films were very good in printability and homogenuity. Example 58 Yttrium tri-n-butoxide Y(OC₄H₉)₃, barium di-n-butoxide Ba(OC₄H₉)₂ and Cu acetyl acetonate Cu(CH₃COCHCOCH₃) were dissolved in toluene in the molar ratio of 1:2:3 and the solution was heated under refluxing for 3 hours in a nitrogen atmosphere. Thereafter, ethyl cellulose was dissolved in the solution and thus a film-forming composition was obtained. An ink prepared with this film-forming composition was printed on a ziconia substrate plate using a 32 dot ink jet printer. A coating film of YBa₂Cu₃O 7-x was formed. The superconductivity critical temperature (Tc) was determined by the four probe method and it was 92K. The results of Examples 31 - 60 and Comparative Examples 3 - 7 are also indicated in Tables 3 and 4. In the evaluation of printability, ∘ means that no clogging of screen occurs; ▵ means that slight clogging of screen occurs; and x means that clogging of screen occurs. In the evaluation of film strength, ∘ means that no peeling-off occurs; and ▵ means that peeling-off occurs sometimes. In the evaluation of smoothness, ∘ means smooth; ▵ means somewhat rough; and x means remarkably rough Description for the following Contracting States : DE, FR, GB Field of the Invention This invention relates to a composition and a process for preparing compound metal oxides. More specifically, this invention relates to composition and a process for preparing compound metal oxides which have specific compositions and are useful as superconductor materials, oxygen sensors, catalysts, etc. Especially, compound metal oxides of a rare earth metal, an alkaline earth metal and copper of specific compositions have recently drawn attention as superconductor materials which exhibit superconductivity at temperatures over 77K. Background of the Invention As methods for preparing compound metal oxides, there have been known processes in which (1) Oxides, carbonates or oxalates of the respective component metals are physically mixed in the state of powder, whereafter the mixture is fired and pulverized; (2) Water-soluble salts such as nitrates of the respective component metals are dissolved in water to make a homogeneous solution, the metals are coprecipitated as insoluble hydroxide, carbonate, oxalates, etc. by addition of hydroxide ions, carbonate ions, oxalate ions, etc. the precipitate is collected and fired into a compound metal oxide, etc. In process (1), powders are mixed and fired. Therefore, the reaction proceeds from the contact boundaries of the powder particles and there remain some unreacted portions. Thus the product often deviates in composition from the intended exact composition. In process (2), the condition of precipitation differs from metal to metal. Therefore, a precipitate containing a rare earth metal, an alkaline earth metal and copper, for instance, in the content ratio exactly the same as the content ratio in the solution is not always formed. Therefore, a compound metal oxide of a composition different from that intended is inevitably formed. EP-A-280 292 discloses for the Contracting States DE, FR and GB an oxide superconductive material and a method for preparing it by dissolving at least one alkoxide, carboxylate or acetyl acetonate of a single element of the groups Ia, IIa and IIIa of the periodic table and at least one one alkoxide, carboxylate or acetyl acetonate of a single element of the groups Ib, IIb and IIIb in an appropriate solvent, adding water to the solution to hydrolyze the substances and heating the solution. US-A-4 485 094 describes the preparation of a continuous film of mixed metal oxides in which a solution of an alkoxide source of one of the metals, a chelate source of a second metal and sufficient solvent to solubilize these compounds is added with water, applied to the surface of a substrate to form a coating and then heated to at least 500° C to evaporate the solvent and produce the mixed oxide. The thus produced mixed metal oxide film is used to make electrodes for solar cells. The above-mentioned problems can be solved by heating for reaction a composition comprising an alkoxide of a rare earth metal, an alkoxide of an alkaline earth metal and a Schiff base chelate complex of copper, optionally containing an organic solvent, and thermally decomposing the reaction product. Summary of the Invention This invention provides a composition for preparing a compound oxides of a rare earth metal, an alkaline earth metal and copper in a specific content ratio, which contains: (1) an alkoxide of a rare earth metal, (2) an alkoxide of an alkaline earth metal, and (3) a Schiff base chelate complex of copper in such content ratio that the amount of the rare earth metal in said alkoxide, the amount of the alkaline earth metal in said alkoxide and the amount of copper in said complex correspond to the amounts of these metals in the object compound metal oxide, and further optionally containing (4) an organic solvent. This invention also provides a process for preparing a compound metal oxide of a rare earth metal, an alkaline earth metal and copper in a specific content ratio, which comprises: heating for reaction a composition which contains: (1) an alkoxide of a rare earth metal, (2) an alkoxide of an alkaline earth metal, and (3) a Schiff base chelate complex of copper, in such content ratio that the amount of the rare earth metal in said alkoxide, the amount of the alkaline earth metal in said alkoxide and the amount of copper in said complex correspond to the amounts of these metals in the object compound metal oxide, and optionally containing (4) an organic solvent; thermally decomposing the formed reaction product. Further, this invention describes the use of the compound metal oxides composition for forming thin film of the compound metal oxide. Said composition comprises the above-described composition to which a film-forming resin and an organic solvent are added. In the present invention, the term "rare earth metal" means Sc, Y, La, Ce, Pr, Nd, Pm, Sm, Eu, Gd, Tb, Dy, Ho, Er, Tm, Yb and Lu. In the present invention, the term "alkaline earth metal" means Be, Mg, Ca, Sr and Ba. In the present invention, alkoxides of rare earth metals are represented by the formula R(OR¹)(OR²)(OR³), wherein R stands for one rare earth metal, R¹ . R² and R³ are the same or different C₁-C₆ alkyl groups. In the present invention, alkoxides of alkaline earth metals are represented by the formula A(OR¹)(OR²), wherein A stands for an alkaline earth metal and R¹ and R² are the same or different C₁-C₆ alkyl groups. Schiff base chelate complexes of copper are represented by the formula wherein R¹ and R³ is -CH₃, -C₂H₅, C₆H₅ or -CF₃; R² is -H, -CH₃, - C₂H₅, -C₆H₅ or -CF₃; and B is -(CH₂) n -, wherein n is 2, 3 or 4, Because the solubility of Schiff base chelate complexes in organic solvents is highest, compound metal oxides of higher copper content can be prepared. In the present invention, almost all organic solvents can be used if they dissolve the above-mentioned alkoxides and the above-mentioned copper complexes. Specific examples of such solvents are esters such as ethyl acetate, ethyl propionate, etc. ; alcohols such as methyl alcohol, ethyl alcohol, n- and iso-propyl alcohol, n-, iso- and tert-butyl alcohol, octyl alcohol; aliphatic saturated hydrocarbons such as pentane, cyclohexane, methylcyclohexane, etc. ; aromatic hydrocarbons such as benzene, toluene, xylene, etc. ; cycloethers such as tetrahydrofuran, dioxane, etc. ; cellosolves such as methyl cellosolves, ethyl cellosolve, butyl cellosolve, etc. ; formamides such as dimethylformamide, diethylformamide, etc. ; sulfoxides such as dimethyl sulfoxide, diethyl sulfoxide, etc. ; ketones such as acetone, methylethylketone, etc. The solvents can be used singly or in combination. The solvent should preferably be well dried and free from carbon dioxide gas. The composition of the present invention can be prepared by simply mixing the component compounds each in an predetermined amount usually together with a suitable amount of a suitable solvent. In order to assist dissolution of the components, the mixture can be heated, but the temperature should not exceed 100°C to avoid decomposition or premature reaction of the components. The process of the present invention is carried out as follows. The above composition is heated usually with a solvent added usually preferably at the reflux temperature. A small amount of water can be added so as to promote the reaction. It is not yet well understood what is formed by this reaction. However, it is sure that a precursor substance for the compound metal oxide is formed. The thermal decomposition of this reaction product mixture is preferably conducted in the sprayed condition. For instance, the reaction product mixture can be sprayed into a heated quartz reaction tube through a pressure nozzle or a two-fluid nozzle. The reaction product mixture can be dropped onto a rapidly rotating disc and the formed fine drops are introduced into a high temperature reaction zone. Or, supersonic wave can be applied to the reaction product mixture so as to produce mist of the mixture, which is then introduced into a high temperature reaction zone. Thus the reaction product is thermally decomposed into the object compound oxide in the form of powder. Or, the reaction product mixture can be applied on the surface of a substrate and thermally decomposed. Thus a film of a compound metal oxide, a superconductive layer for instance, can be formed. The thermal decomposition of said reaction product mixture requires a temperature not lower than 500°C. But on the other hand, it is preferred to carry out the decomposition at a temperature not higher than 1000°C. If the decomposition occurs at a temperature in excess of 1000°C, thermal decomposition starts from the surface of the drops and polymerization of oxide is incomplete and thus hollow particles are formed. At temperatures below 500°C, the thermal decomposition is insufficient and some reaction product remains although polymerization of the oxides proceeds. As mentioned above, the reaction product mixture can be applied on the surface of a substrate and thermally decomposed to form a compound metal oxide. In this case, cellulosic polymers such as methyl cellulose, ethyl cellulose, nitro cellulose, ethylhydroxyethyl cellulose, etc. are preferred as film-forming resins. One or more of these resins are added to the composition of the present invention. Benzene, toluene, methyl cellosolve, ethyl cellosolve, etc. are preferred solvents. Specific Disclosure of the Invention Now the invention will be explained by way of working examples and comparative examples. Example 1 4.7g of yttrium isopropoxide Y[(OCH(CH₃)₂]₃ 8.9g of barium isopropoxide Ba[OCH(CH₃)₂]₂ and 15.0g of Schiff base chelate of copper (atomic ratio of Y:Ba:Cu=1:2:3) were dissolved in 1ℓ of CO₂-free dried toluene by heating. To this solution 40 mℓ of ammonical water (pH 11) was added. A precipitate was formed. It was collected by centrifugation of 4000rpm and fired at 1000°C for 2 hours. The fired product was annealed at 900°C for 3 hours and cooled in the furnace. Thus the object compound metal oxide was prepared. According to X-ray diffraction analysis, the composition of the obtained powder was YBa₂Cu₃O 7-x . The powder was pelletized and superconductivity critical temperature (Tc) was determined and it was 90K. Example 2 - 5 Each combination of an yttrium alkoxide, a barium alkoxide, Schiff base chelate of copper and a solvent shown in Table 1 was homogeneously mixed into a solution and the solution was heated under refluxing. The resulting composition was sprayed onto a PSZ (partially stabilized zirconia) substrate plate heated at 500°C so as to thermally decompose it and form a film of each compound metal oxide. The substrate with the film was heated at 800°C in air for 3 hours. Thus coating layers of 0.5 - 2 µm were formed. According to X-ray diffraction analysis, the formed coating film comprises more than 90% of YBa₂Cu₃O 7-x superconductive phase. The superconductivity critical temperature (Tc) was determined and it was 80 - 90K. Example 6 (Reference) 12.0g of copper acetyl acetonate Cu(CH₃COCHCOCH₃)₂ was added to 1ℓ of benzene solution containing: 4.0g of yttrium isopropoxide Y[OCH(CH₃)₂]₃ and 7.8g of barium isopropoxide Ba[OCH(CH₃)₂]₂, An insolulible precipitate was formed. It was revealed that the copper concentration could not be raised to higher than 3g/ℓ.

Claims: Claims for the following Contracting States : BE, IT, NL, SE A composition for preparing a compound oxide of a rare earth metal, an alkaline earth metal and cooper in a specific content ratio which contains: (1) an alkoxide of a rare earth metal, (2) an alkoxide of an alkaline earth metal, and (3) an organic acid salt, a β-diketone complex, β-ketoester complex or a Schiff base chelate complex of copper, in such content ratio that the amount of rare earth metal in said alkoxide, the amount of the alkaline earth metal in said alkoxide and the amount of copper in said organic acid salt or complex correspond to the amounts of these metals in the object compound metal oxide, and optionally (4) an organic solvent. Composition according to claim 1, which is diluted with a solvent. Composition according to claim 1 or 2, which comprises an alkoxide of a rare earth metal, an alkoxide of an alkaline earth metal and a Schiff base chelate complex of copper. Process for preparing a composition according to claims 1 to 3 by heating the solution of the compounds and thereby producing the compound metal oxide, characterized by (A) preparing a solution which comprises (1) an alkoxide of a rare earth metal, (2) an alkoxide of an alkaline earth metal, and (3) a organic acid salt, a β-diketone complex, a β-ketoester complex or a Schiff base chelate complex of copper, in such content ratio that the amount of rare earth metal in said alkoxide, the amount of the alkaline earth metal in said alkoxide and the amount of copper in said organic salt or complex correspond to the amounts of these metals in the object compound metal oxide, and optionally (4) an organic solvent. (B) heating the solution at the reflux temperature, (C) thermally decomposing the formed reaction product. Process according to claim 4, characterized in that the composition comprises an alkoxide of an rare earth metal, an alkoxide of an alkaline earth metal and a Schiff base chelate complex of copper. Process according to claim 4 or 5, characterized in that the thermal decomposition of the reaction product is conducted by heating it in the sprayed form. Use of the composition according to claims 1 to 3 for forming thin films of the compound metal oxide. Use according to claim 7, characterized in that a film-forming resin is used. Use according to claim 7 and 8, characterized in that ethyl cellulose, nitrocellulose or ethylhydroxycellulose is used as film-forming resin. Claims for the following Contracting States : DE, FR, GB A composition for preparing a compound oxide of a rare earth metal, an alkaline earth metal and cooper in a specific content ratio which contains: (1) an alkoxide of a rare earth metal, (2) an alkoxide of an alkaline earth metal, and (3) a Schiff base chelate complex of copper, in such content ratio that the amount of rare earth metal in said alkoxide, the amount of the alkaline earth metal in said alkoxide and the amount of copper in said Schiff base chelate complex correspond to the amounts of these metals in the object compound metal oxide, and optionally (4) an organic solvent. Composition according to claim 1, which is diluted with a solvent. Process for preparing a composition according to claim 1 or 2 by heating the solution of the compounds and thereby producing the compound metal oxide, characterized by (A) preparing a solution which comprises (1) an alkoxide of a rare earth metal, (2) an alkoxide of an alkaline earth metal, and (3) a Schiff base chelate complex of copper, in such content ratio that the amount of rare earth metal in said alkoxide, the amount of the alkaline earth metal in said alkoxide and the amount of copper in said Schiff base chelate complex correspond to the amounts of these metals in the object compound metal oxide, and optionally (4) an organic solvent. (B) heating the solution at the reflux temperature, (C) thermally decomposing the formed reaction product. Process according to claim 3, characterized in that the thermal decomposition of the reaction product is conducted by heating it in the sprayed form. Use of the composition according to claim 1 or 2 for forming thin films of the compound metal oxide. Use according to claim 5, characterized in that a film-forming resin is used. Use according to claim 5 and 6, characterized in that ethyl cellulose, nitrocellulose or ethylhydroxycellulose is used as film-forming resin.

Inventors: MIYAUCHI, MASATO, SAKAI, KAZUHIRO, TSUNASHIMA, MAKOTO, UCHIDA, HIROTO
Applicants: MITSUBISHI MATERIALS CORPORATION
Application year: 1988
Main classification: C04B35
IPC codes: H01L39, C04B35