Combinatorial investigation of the stoichiometry, electronic transport and elastic properties of (Cr1−xVx)2GeC thin films

  We report on a combinatorial investigation of (Cr,V)–Ge–C via films grown by magnetron sputtering with a focus on the (Cr1−xVx)2GeC region. Deviations from Vegard’s law for (Cr1−xVx)2GeC suggest that there can be deficiencies in C in Cr-rich films. All compositions showed metal-like electrical conductivity which was significantly influenced by solid-solution scattering, and the temperature coefficient of resistivity provides an indirect probe of the electronic density of states. Raman spectroscopy indicated that alloying has minimal effect on the elastic moduli.