Core level and valence band studies of layered Ti3SiC2 by high resolution photoelectron spectroscopy

The ternary compund Ti3SiC2 is a prominent representative of a new class of layered ceramics whose extraordinary physical properties has attracted much attention in recent years. Ti3SiC2 is electrically and thermally highly conductive, elastically rigid, lightweight, and maintains its strength to high temperatures. It is furthermore damage tolerant and oxidation resistant. We have studied fractured surfaces of coarse-grained Ti3SiC2 by means of photoelectron spectroscopy at the MAX-lab synchrotron radiation facility in Lund, Sweden. High-resolution C 1s, Si 2p, Ti 2p, Ti 3s and Ti 3p core-level spectra are reported and interpreted in terms of crystallographic and electronic structure. Valence band spectra confirm the validity of recent band calculations.