Theoretical stability, thin film synthesis and transport properties of the Mon+1GaCn MAX phase

• The phase stability of Mon +1GaCn has been investigated using ab-initio calculations. The results indicate stability for the Mo2GaC phase only, with a formation enthalpy of 0.4 meV per atom. Subsequent thin film synthesis of Mo2GaC was performed through magnetron sputtering from elemental targets onto Al2O3 [0001], 6H-SiC [0001] and MgO [111] substrates within the temperature range of 500 degrees C and 750 degrees C. High structural quality films were obtained for synthesis on MgO [111] substrates at 590 degrees C. Evaluation of transport properties showed a superconducting behavior with a critical temperature of approximately 7 K, reducing upon the application of an external magnetic field. The results point towards the first superconducting MAX phase in thin film form.

Ämnesord

NATURVETENSKAP  -- Fysik (hsv//swe)

NATURAL SCIENCES  -- Physical Sciences (hsv//eng)

Nyckelord

superconducting MAX phases

Mo2GaC

ab-initio calculations

magnetron sputtering

thin films

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