Molten Salt Shielded Synthesis of the Nanolaminated Transition Metal Boride Fe2AlB2

Abstract

Abstract Fe2AlB2 is one of many ternary transition metal borides called MAB phases, which attracted interest owing to its magnetocaloric effect and magnetic properties. Herein, the molten salt shielded synthesis (MS3) of Fe2AlB2 powder is studied using potassium bromide “KBr” in an open-air atmosphere. The synthesis process of the MAB phase, from Fe, Al, and B elemental powders, was studied with and without Sn additive in the temperature range of 900–1200°C. The obtained powders were analyzed using XRD, TDA, GTA and SEM analysis. The corresponding results revealed a successful synthesis of nearly-pure Fe2AlB2 phase at 1000°C for only one hour of holding time, beyond which FeB impurities form. These results show the efficiency of KBr (with Sn as a synthesis aid ‘additive’) in increasing the reactivity of this MAB phase in terms of the lowest synthesis temperature and time reported to date.