On the Rapid Synthesis of the Ternary Mo2GaC

The reaction path to form the Mo2GaC MAX phase starting with Mo, Ga, and C (molar ratio, 2:1.2:1) powders was investigated in the 850°C and 1000°C temperature range. It was found that Mo2GaC could be synthesized from reactions between Mo3Ga and C or Mo2C and Ga. Powders that contained >90 wt% Mo2GaC were successfully fabricated by heating a 1:1.4 molar ratio of Mo2C:Ga to 900°C for 24 h under flowing argon, followed by the dissolution of excess Ga by HCl. The a- and c-lattice parameters were measured to be 3.022(1) and 13.179(5) A.