[Zr0.72Y0.28]Al4C4: A new member of the homologous series (MC)l(T4C3)m (M=Zr, Y and Hf, T=Al, Si and Ge)

A new layered carbide, [Zr0.72(3)Y0.28(3)]Al4C4, has been synthesized and characterized by X-ray powder diffraction, transmission electron microscopy and energy dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDX). The atom ratios [Zr:Y] were determined by EDX, and the initial structure model was derived by the direct methods, and further refined by Rietveld method. The crystal is trigonal (space group P3¯m1, Z=1) with lattice dimensions of a=0.333990(5) nm, c=1.09942(1) nm and V=0.106209(2) nm3. This compound shows an intergrowth structure with [Zr0.72Y0.28C2] thin slabs separated by Al4C3-type [Al4C4] layers. It is a new member with l=1 and m=1 of the homologous series, the general formula of which is (MC)l(T4C3)m (l=1, 2 and 3, m=1 and 2, M=Zr, Y and Hf, T=Al, Si and Ge).

Graphical AbstractThe layered carbide (Zr0.72Y0.28C)Al4C3 has been synthesized and found to be a new member with l=1 and m=1 of the homologous series (MC)l(T4C3)m (l=1, 2 and 3, m=1 and 2, M=Zr, Y and Hf, T=Al, Si and Ge).Figure optionsDownload full-size imageDownload as PowerPoint slide