Abstract: An extremely pure oxide containing two or more metals, homogeneous at the atomic level, is prepared by (1) reacting in water, soluble salts of two or more metals with quaternary ammonium carbonate; the metals being those that form water-insoluble carbonates, thereby to precipitate mixed carbonates of the metals; (2) recovering and drying the precipitate; (3) calcining the precipitate to provide an oxide of mixed metals homogeneous at the atomic level and substantially free from extraneous contaminants. The calcined oxide can be shaped and compressed as greenware and sintered to form useful ceramic products.

Abstract: Improved process for making Bi-Pb-Sb-Sr-Ca-Cu oxide superconductors. A solution of the nitrates of Bi, Pb, Sr, Ca, and Cu is reacted with a quaternary ammonium carbonate in a dispersion (heel) of Sb.sub.2 O.sub.5. Carbonates of Bi, Pb, Sr, Ca, and Cu precipitate homogeneously on the Sb.sub.2 O.sub.5 particles. Solids are recovered, dried, and heated to make a superconductor. The method minimizes handling toxic antimony compounds and reduces introduction of contaminants. Novel compositions result.