Structure and bonding of ternary superconductors

Relationships between structural parameters and superconducting properties of ternary compounds have been discussed recently. In this chapter the emphasis is placed on their crystal chemistry. Of particular interest are the factors governing structural stability, such as the valence, atomic size, and electronegativity of the constituents, and the formation of chemical bonds. Since these factors limit the occurrence of stable compounds within a given structural series, their study is useful for the search of new superconducting materials. (orig.)