Synthesis and characterization of submicro-sized V2AlC ceramics by a two-step modified molten salt method

High-purity ternary layered carbide V 2 AlC powders have been prepared by a two-step modified molten salt method, i.e. by firstly synthesizing V 2 C with V and C powders at 900 °C, followed by preparing V 2 AlC with V 2 C and Al powders as reactants at 900–950 °C in molten (Na,K)Cl. The average particle distribution of V 2 AlC powders was estimated to be ~400 nm. Molten salt as a reaction medium could promote the synthesis of V 2 C and V 2 AlC at lower temperatures. The synthesizing mechanisms of V 2 C and V 2 AlC in molten salts have also been discussed.