Description
Niobium Aluminum Carbide (Nb₂AlC) MAX Phase Micron Powder
Average Particle Size (APS): -325 Mesh
Purity: 99+%
Product Description
Niobium Aluminum Carbide (Nb₂AlC) is a high-performance MAX phase ceramic belonging to the Mn+1AXn family of layered materials. With a unique nanolaminated structure combining early transition metal (Nb), a Group 13–16 element (Al), and carbon, Nb₂AlC offers an exceptional balance of metallic and ceramic properties.
In its micronized powder form, Nb₂AlC is an ideal precursor material for MXene synthesis, especially for applications requiring high-temperature performance, electrical conductivity, and mechanical resilience. This compound stands out for its high modulus, strength, thermal shock resistance, and damage tolerance, especially in extreme environments such as aerospace, electronics, and nuclear technologies.
Chemical & Physical Properties
-
Chemical Formula: Nb₂AlC
-
Molecular Weight: 224.8 g/mol
-
Appearance: Gray powder or crystals
-
Density: 6.43 g/cm³
-
Melting/Boiling Point: Not Available (Decomposes under high temp before melting)
Certificate of Analysis (Typical):
| Element | Content (%) |
|---|---|
| Niobium (Nb) | 81.6% |
| Aluminum (Al) | 12.7% |
| Carbon (C) | 5.2% |
| Impurities | <0.5% |
Key Features
-
High Purity (99+%) for advanced material integration
-
Excellent Electrochemical Performance in energy applications
-
High Temperature Strength & Stability
-
Self-lubricating & Conductive Nanolaminate Structure
-
MXene Precursor: Etchable via HF or HCl+LiF for 2D Nb-based MXene production
-
Good Thermal Shock & Damage Resistance
-
Processable Despite Ceramic Composition
Applications
Thanks to its layered structure and dual-phase nature, Nb₂AlC is employed across a wide range of high-tech industries:
-
MXene Synthesis: Precursor for 2D niobium carbide-based MXenes in supercapacitors and lithium/sodium-ion batteries
-
Electrochemical Catalysis: Excellent activity for HER, OER, and CO₂ reduction reactions
-
Energy Storage: As electrode material for batteries and supercapacitors
-
Nuclear Industry: Thermal stability and radiation resistance for shielding and structural components
-
Aerospace & Aviation: Lightweight, high-temp resistant ceramic component
-
Microelectronics & Sensors: High-conductivity components for compact and durable device designs
-
Environmental Adsorption: Efficient sorbent for heavy metal ions and pollutants
-
Analytical Chemistry: In ion-selective electrodes and detection platforms