In search of the elusive IrB2: Can mechanochemistry help?

• ReB2-type IrB2 and a new IrB have been synthesized by mechanochemical method.
• Crystal structures of IrB2 and IrB were studied by synchrotron XRD.
• Microstructures of the new phases were characterized by SEM and TEM.

The previously unknown hexagonal ReB2-type IrB2 diboride and orthorhombic IrB monoboride phases were produced by mechanochemical syntheses. High energy ball milling of elemental Ir and B powder for 30 h, followed by annealing of the powder at 1050 °C for 48 h, resulted in the formation of the desired phases. Both traditional laboratory and high resolution synchrotron X-ray diffraction (XRD) analyses were used for phase identification of the synthesized powder. In addition to XRD, scanning electron microscopy and transmission electron microscopy were employed to further characterize the microstructure of the phases produced.

ReB2-type IrB2 and a new IrB have been successfully synthesized for the first time using mechanochemical method. Crystal structures of IrB2 and IrB were studied by synchrotron X-ray diffraction. Microstructures of the new phases were characterized by SEM and TEM.Figure optionsDownload as PowerPoint slide