Synthesis and compressive behavior of Cr2GeC up to 48 GPa

Mn+1AXn compounds have gathered huge momentum because of its exciting properties. In this paper we report the synthesis of ternary layered ceramic Cr2GeC, a 211 Mn+1AXn compound by hot-pressing. Scanning electron microscopy and X-ray diffraction have been employed to characterize the new synthesized phase. High-pressure compressibility of Cr2GeC were measured using diamond anvil cell and synchrotron radiation at room temperature up to 48 GPa. No phase transformation was observed in the experimental pressure range. The bulk modulus of Cr2GeC calculated using the Birch–Murnaghan equation of state is 169 ± 3 GPa, with K′ = 3.05 ± 0.15.