Discovery and design of inherently layered metal boride MAX and MAB phases

• Applicant: Aurelija Mockute, Ph.D.
• Subject Area: Synthesis and Properties of Functional Materials
• Term: from 2022 to 2024
• Project identifier: Deutsche Forschungsgemeinschaft (DFG) - Project number 495844014

• Final Report Year: 2024

Final Report Abstract

MAB phases (M = transition metal, A = A-group element, B = boron) constitute a compositionally versatile family of inherently nanolaminated materials with great potential for magnetic and catalytic applications. The overarching goal of this project was to accelerate the long overdue development of these materials in thin film form. Specifically, fabrication of materials libraries (MLs) and high-throughput characterization followed with an in-depth analysis of selected measurement areas was employed in quest of realization of ternary, quaternary, and multielemental MAB phases with focus on investigation of composition gradient effects on phase formation, stoichiometry, and microstructure.

Publications

• Structural and Hydrogen Evolution Electrocatalysis Properties of Cr–Al–B MAB Phase Thin Films. Advanced Engineering Materials, 26(23).
  Mockute, Aurelija; Kostka, Aleksander; Abdellaoui, Lamya; Krysiak, Olga; Schuhmann, Wolfgang; Scheu, Christina & Ludwig, Alfred
  
• Exploration of MAB phase formation in the Fe-Y-Al-B system using thin film materials libraries. Materials & Design, 252, 113731.
  Mockute, Aurelija; Kostka, Aleksander; Abdellaoui, Lamya; Li, Yujiao; Parsa, Alireza B.; Lourens, Florian; Scheu, Christina & Ludwig, Alfred