Multielemental single–atom-thick A layers in nanolaminated V 2 (Sn, A ) C ( A = Fe, Co, Ni, Mn) for tailoring magnetic properties

Significance M n+1 AX n phases are a family of inherently nanolaminated ternary compounds with hexagonal crystal structure (space group P 63 /mmc , 194 ). Here, M is vanadium element, and A is Fe, Co, Ni, Mn, or their binary/ternary/quaternary mixtures. Due to the elemental flexibility at A site, 15 nanolaminated V 2 ( A x Sn 1-x )C MAX phases are synthesized, including 1 high-entropy MAX phase that all Fe, Co, Ni, Mn, and Sn elements simultaneously occupied A site. Tailoring of individual single–atom-thick layers in nanolaminated MAX phases offers atomic-level control of material properties, such as their distinct magnetic behaviors. The alloying in 2-dimensional A layer of MAX phases provides a unique route to design their crystal structure and to discover unexploited properties, which would develop promising functional materials for microelectronic device.