Solid solubility and magnetism upon Mn incorporation in the bulk ternary carbides Cr2AlC and Cr2GaC

Abstract

Herein, we report on the bulk synthesis of (Cr1−xMnx)2AlC and (Cr1−yMny)2GaCMAX phases. Scanning electron and transmission electron microscopy, in combination with energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy performed locally on MAXphase grains, revealed x and y to be 0.06 (3 at%) and 0.3 (15 at%), respectively. The introduction of Mn into the structure did not result in appreciable changes in the c-lattice constants. Vibrating sample magnetometry measurements suggest that bulk (Cr0.7Mn0.3)2GaC may be magnetic.