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Binary and Ternary Explorations of the Molybdenum Boride System

Abstract

Refractory metal borides have recently generated intense interest in materials chemistry. These compounds have been shown to possess many advantageous properties, such as exceptionally high hardness, electrical conductivity, and even superconductivity. Higher molybdenum borides are discussed as compounds of interest in this category of materials. However, the complex phase relationships in the molybdenum-boron system complicate the preparation of phase-pure samples. MoB2 and Mo2B4 have both been successfully arc melted previously, while Mo1-xB3 has been arc synthesized herein for the first time. Additionally, experimentation with ternary solid solutions including niobium and vanadium in the Mo-B system showed formation of MoB2, Mo2B4, and Mo1-xB3 at different metal-boron ratios than observed in binary systems. Solubility limits of niobium and vanadium have been determined experimentally. This work enables future exploration of the physical properties of molybdenum borides; advancement towards the rational design of superhard materials; and finally the refinement of the Mo1-xB3 structure.

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