Abstract: In the production of a 124-type or 123-type superconductor by a sol-gel method using alkoxides of respective metals, the use of a compound wherein a secbutoxy group and a hydroxy group are coordinated with a copper atom gives a superconductor composed of flat particles having a broad C plane. The dimensional ratio defined by l/d is at least 6.7 in the case of the 124-type or is at least 8.4 in the case of the 123-type. It shows a superconducting property at a liquid nitrogen temperature. This superconductor shows a higher critical current density than one obtained by a sintering method.

Abstract: In the production of a 124-type or 123-type superconductor by a sol-gel method using alkoxides of respective metals, the use of a compound wherein a sec-butoxy group and a hydroxy group are coordinated with a copper atom gives a superconductor composed of flat particles having a broad C plane. The dimensional ratio defined by l/d is at least 6.7 in the case of the 124-type or is at least 8.4 in the case of the 123-type. It shows a superconducting property at a liquid nitrogen temperature. This superconductor shows a higher critical current density than one obtained by a sintering method.

Abstract: An oxide superconductor having the following formula:Pb.sub.2 Sr.sub.2 Ca.sub.1-p Ln.sub.p Cu.sub.3 O.sub.q orPb.sub.1-x Cu.sub.x Sr.sub.2 Ca.sub.1-y Ln.sub.y Cu.sub.2 O.sub.zwherein Ln represents a rare earth element, p is 0.3-0.7, q is 7.8-8.2, x is 0.2-0.5, y is 0.3-0.7 and z is 6.8-7.2 is prepared using a coprecipitation method. An acetic acid solution of carbonates, acetates or nitrates of Pb, Sr, Ca, Cu and Ln is mixed with an aqueous solution of oxalic or tartaric acid, or a lower alkyl ester thereof. The mixture is reacted to precipitate the Pb, Sr, Ca, Cu and Ln as oxalates or tartarates and the precipitates are dried and sintered to obtain the oxide superconductor.