Ternary-layered Cr2AlB2 synthesized from Cr, Al, and B powders by a molten salt-assisted method

Herein we report a method for rapid synthesis of Cr2AlB2 from Cr, Al, and B elemental powders. Effects of Cr/Al/B molar ratio in precursors, temperature, duration and mass ratio of the salt to precursors on Cr2AlB2 formation are investigated. Additionally, the synthesis process of Cr2AlB2 is also discussed. Results show that the temperature plays a key role in the formation of Cr2AlB2. Well crystalline Cr2AlB2 powders are successfully synthesized from 2Cr/2Al/2B precursors and NaCl-KCl molten salt with their mass ratio of 1:1 at 1100 °C within 0.5 h. Cr2AlB2 exhibits nanolaminated structure with plate-like grain morphology. The particle size of the obtained Cr2AlB2 powder is dramatically decreased with the addition of NaCl-KCl molten salt in precursors.