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Updated: Jan 12, 2026
10:42
Combining Solid-state and Solution-based Techniques: Synthesis and Reactivity of ChalcogenidoplumbatesII or IV
Published on: December 29, 2016
11.1K
Sterically Stabilized (Zr,Ti)-(Al,Sn,Pb,Bi)-C MAX Phase Solid Solutions with Zn Additions and Enhanced Chemical
Nick Goossens1,2, Bensu Tunca1, Michael Stuer2
1Department of Materials Engineering, KU Leuven, Kasteelpark Arenberg 44, BE-3001 Heverlee, Belgium.
Journal of the American Chemical Society
|November 3, 2025
Summary
Researchers developed a novel method to create pure, complex MAX phase solid solutions by stabilizing their unit cells. This technique yields soft, damage-tolerant ceramics with unique microstructures for advanced applications.
Area of Science:
- Materials Science
- Ceramics Engineering
- Solid-State Chemistry
Background:
- MAX phases are nanolaminated ternary carbides/nitrides known for compositional versatility.
- Tailoring MAX phase solid solutions is key to achieving application-specific material properties.
Purpose of the Study:
- To present an effective strategy for designing and fabricating highly phase-pure, chemically complex MAX phase solid solutions.
- To achieve steric unit cell stabilization by balancing M- and A-elements to minimize lattice distortions.
Main Methods:
- Spark plasma sintering of (Zr0.8,Ti0.2)2(Al,Sn,Pb)C and (Zr0.8,Ti0.2)2(Al,Sn,Pb,Bi)C 211 MAX phase solid solutions at 1350-1500 °C.
- Utilizing molten Zn- and/or Pb-/Bi-containing intermetallics to facilitate synthesis and improve material characteristics.
Main Results:
- High-purity (up to 88.7 wt %) 211 MAX phase solid solutions were produced.
- Soft (3-5 GPa), coarse-grained, and damage-tolerant ceramics were synthesized.
- A 312 (Zr0.8,Ti0.2)3(Al,Sn,Pb,Bi)C2 MAX phase solid solution formed with unique core-shell morphology and large platelets (>100 μm).
Conclusions:
- Steric stabilization via balanced A-site elements alleviated lattice distortions and enhanced thermodynamic stability.
- Chemical complexity on the A-site increased configurational entropy, further stabilizing the MAX phase compounds.
- The developed strategy enables the fabrication of advanced MAX phase materials with tailored properties.
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