Microwave Absorption Performance and Thermal Stability of V-doped Ti3AlC2

doi:10.15541/jim20260279

Abstract

Abstract: Ti₃AlC₂, a representative MAX-phase material, possesses high electrical conductivity and excellent thermal stability, making it a promising candidate for electromagnetic wave absorption. However, its excessively high conductivity readily causes impedance mismatch and hinders effective penetration of incident electromagnetic waves. In this study, transition metal V was introduced into Ti₃AlC₂ to regulate its lattice and electronic structures by taking advantage of the similar atomic characteristics of V and Ti. (Ti_0.7V_0.3)₃AlC₂ was selected as a representative composition to investigate its structural characteristics, electromagnetic parameters, microwave absorption performance, and property evolution after high-temperature treatment. The results show that V doping preserves the MAX-phase framework of Ti₃AlC₂ while markedly enhancing its microwave absorption performance. Compared with pristine Ti₃AlC₂, V doping effectively regulates the dielectric response and improves impedance matching. Consequently, the minimum reflection loss is improved from -9.13 to -51.48 dB at a matching thickness of only 1.60 mm, with a maximum effective absorption bandwidth of 2.24 GHz. After heat treatment at 600 ℃ followed by cooling to room temperature, the sample undergoes surface oxidation, accompanied by decreases in dielectric loss and attenuation capability. Nevertheless, its minimum reflection loss remains as low as -46.96 dB, indicating that appreciable room-temperature microwave absorption performance is retained after high-temperature treatment. V doping therefore enhances the microwave absorption of Ti₃AlC₂ through the coordinated regulation of conductive response, polarization loss, and impedance matching, providing an experimental basis for designing MAX-phase absorbers that combine strong microwave absorption with performance retention after heat treatment.

Key words: MAX phase, V doping, microwave absorption, thermal stability

CLC Number:

TB34
TM25

CHANG Yukai, CHAI Pengbo, CAI Yining, HUO Yingjie, LIU Wei, SUN Xiaohui, ZHOU Aiguo. Microwave Absorption Performance and Thermal Stability of V-doped Ti₃AlC₂[J]. Journal of Inorganic Materials, DOI: 10.15541/jim20260279.

References

[1] LV H L, YANG Z H, PAN H G,et al. Electromagnetic absorption materials: current progress and new frontiers. Progress in Materials Science, 2022, 127: 100946.
[2] PANG H F, DUAN Y P, HUANG L X,et al. Research advances in composition, structure and mechanisms of microwave absorbing materials. Composites Part B: Engineering, 2021, 224: 109173.
[3] MA X C, ZHI Q, LI W,et al. High-temperature oxidation mechanism and electromagnetic wave absorption properties of Fe₂AlB₂. Journal of Inorganic Materials, 2026, 41(1): 45.
[4] XIA Q S, HAN Z, ZHANG Z C,et al. High temperature microwave absorbing materials. Journal of Materials Chemistry C, 2023, 11(14): 4552.
[5] XIAO J X, HE M K, ZHAN B B,et al. Multifunctional microwave absorption materials: construction strategies and functional applications. Materials Horizons, 2024, 11(23): 5874.
[6] GONZALEZ-JULIAN J.Processing of MAX phases: from synthesis to applications.Journal of the American Ceramic Society, 2021, 104(2): 659.
[7] LI Y B, WEI H S, CHEN L,et al. Regulating the electronic structure of MAX phases based on rare earth element Sc to enhance electromagnetic wave absorption. ACS Nano, 2024, 18(14): 10019.
[8] 耿欣, 温广武, 杨思宇, 等. MXene(Ti₃C₂)的制备及其吸波性能. 硅酸盐学报, 2018(3): 315.
[9] LI Z M, LUO F, HE C C,et al. Improving the microwave dielectric properties of Ti₃SiC₂ powders by Al doping. Journal of Alloys and Compounds, 2015, 618: 508.
[10] ZHOU Y C, WANG X H, SUN Z M,et al. Electronic and structural properties of the layered ternary carbide Ti₃AlC₂. Journal of Materials Chemistry, 2001, 11(9): 2335.
[11] FAN X C, LI S B, ZHANG W W,et al. Enhanced microwave absorption properties of Ti₃AlC₂ particles modified by a facile preoxidation strategy. Materials Today Nano, 2024, 28: 100539.
[12] ZHANG Z X, WANG W L, ZHANG J T,et al. Influence of elements (Zr, Mo, Cr, Fe, and Ni) doping on the electromagnetic wave absorption performance of Ti₃AlC₂-based ceramics. Ceramics International, 2023, 49(17): 28660.
[13] YAO P, QIAN Y H, LI W C,et al. Exploration of dielectric and microwave absorption properties of quaternary MAX phase ceramic (Cr_2/3Ti_1/3)₃AlC₂. Ceramics International, 2020, 46(14): 22919.
[14] XU T T, LI J, ZHAO D P,et al. Structural engineering enabled bimetallic (Ti₁-_yNb_y)₂ AlC solid solution structure for efficient electromagnetic wave absorption in gigahertz. Small, 2023, 19(27): e2300119.
[15] LI J, XU T T, BAI H,et al. Structural modifications and electromagnetic property regulations of Ti₃AlC₂ MAX for enhancing microwave absorption through the strategy of Fe doping. Advanced Materials Interfaces, 2022, 9(6): 2101510.
[16] BAI X Z, GUO Y, YAN H Y,et al. Magnetic-dielectric synergistic construction of Ni-doped Ti₃AlC₂ achieving efficient microwave absorption. Ceramics International, 2023, 49(24): 40570.
[17] CHANG Y K, ZHAO H L, LIU X,et al. Etching-time-regulated strategy toward delaminated Mo₂CT_x MXene for tailoring electromagnetic wave absorption. Journal of Advanced Ceramics, 2024, 13(11): 1795.
[18] HALIM J, CHARTIER P, BASYUK T,et al. Structure and thermal expansion of (Cr_x, V₁-_x)_n+1AlC_n phases measured by X-ray diffraction. Journal of the European Ceramic Society, 2017, 37(1): 15.
[19] QU L S, BEI G P, STELZER B,et al. Synthesis, crystal structure, microstructure and mechanical properties of (Ti1-Zr)₃SiC₂ MAX phase solid solutions. Ceramics International, 2019, 45(1): 1400.
[20] LIU H, GUO Y T, YANG R,et al. Preparation and lithium-storage performance of (Ti₁-_x, V_x)₃C₂ MXene solid solutions. Journal of Alloys and Compounds, 2024, 976: 173204.
[21] MARTÍNEZ L, SOLER L, ANGURELL I,et al. Effect of TiO₂ nanoshape on the photoproduction of hydrogen from water-ethanol mixtures over Au₃Cu/TiO₂ prepared with preformed Au-Cu alloy nanoparticles. Applied Catalysis B: Environmental, 2019, 248: 504.
[22] GOU J L, CHANG Y K, LIU S,et al. Solid solution strategy modulated defects engineering of (Cr₁-_xV_x)₂AlC MAX phase toward superior electromagnetic wave absorption. Rare Metals, 2024, 43(7): 3205.
[23] AZINA C, MRÁZ S, GRECZYNSKI G,et al. Oxidation behaviour of V₂AlC MAX phase coatings. Journal of the European Ceramic Society, 2020, 40(13): 4436.
[24] YAN Y L, HELFAND M A, CLAYTON C R.Evaluation of the effect of surface roughness on thin film thickness measurements using variable angle XPS.Applied Surface Science, 1989, 37(4): 395.
[25] WANG X H, LI F Z, CHEN J X,et al. Insights into high temperature oxidation of Al₂O₃-forming Ti₃AlC₂. Corrosion Science, 2012, 58: 95.
[26] QUAN B, LIANG X H, XU G Y,et al. A permittivity regulating strategy to achieve high-performance electromagnetic wave absorbers with compatibility of impedance matching and energy conservation. New Journal of Chemistry, 2017, 41(3): 1259.
[27] GUO K Y, CHEN L, YANG G J.Boosting electromagnetic wave absorption of Ti₃AlC₂ by improving effective electrical conductivity.Journal of Advanced Ceramics, 2023, 12(8): 1533.
[28] QIAO L J, BI J Q, YANG Y,et al. In-situ synthesis of multi-principal-element (Mo_0.25Cr_0.25Ti_0.25V_0.25)₃C₂T_x MXene-based composites with enhanced electromagnetic wave absorption. Ceramics International, 2023, 49(24): 40498.
[39] WU C W, ZHANG F, ZHI Q,et al. From binary to ternary and back to binary: transition of electromagnetic wave shielding to absorption among MAB phase Ni₃ZnB₂ and corresponding binary borides Ni_n₊₁B_n (n = 1, 3). Journal of Advanced Ceramics, 2023, 12(11): 2101.
[30] WANG L, CAI Z X, SU L,et al. Bifunctional SiC/Si₃N₄ aerogel for highly efficient electromagnetic wave absorption and thermal insulation. Journal of Advanced Ceramics, 2023, 12(2): 309.
[31] SHI Y X, LIANG B Q, GAO H,et al. Research progress on spherical carbon-based electromagnetic wave absorbing composites. Carbon, 2024, 227: 119244.
[32] ZHANG Y, WEN J, ZHANG L,et al. High antioxidant lamellar structure Cr₂AlC: dielectric and microwave absorption properties in X band. Journal of Alloys and Compounds, 2021, 860: 157896.
[33] GONG C C, DING J W, WANG C X,et al. Defect-induced dipole polarization engineering of electromagnetic wave absorbers: insights and perspectives. Composites Part B: Engineering, 2023, 252: 110479.
[34] QIN M, ZHANG L M, WU H J.Dielectric loss mechanism in electromagnetic wave absorbing materials.Advanced Science, 2022, 9(10): 2105553.

Microwave Absorption Performance and Thermal Stability of V-doped Ti₃AlC₂

PDF (PC)

Knowledge

Abstract

Cite this article

share this article

References

Related Articles 15

Recommended Articles

Metrics

Comments

[1]	GUO Jiaxin, CHEN Meijuan, WU Hao, ZHENG Xiaoran, MIN Nan, TIAN Hui, QI Dongli, LI Quanjun, DU Shiyu, SHEN Longhai. First-principles Study of Novel MAX Phase Zr₃InC₂ under High Pressure [J]. Journal of Inorganic Materials, 2025, 40(12): 1414-1424.
[2]	MIAO Xin, YAN Shiqiang, WEI Jindou, WU Chao, FAN Wenhao, CHEN Shaoping. Interface Layer of Te-based Thermoelectric Device: Abnormal Growth and Interface Stability [J]. Journal of Inorganic Materials, 2024, 39(8): 903-910.
[3]	ZHANG Yuchen, LU Zhiyao, HE Xiaodong, SONG Guangping, ZHU Chuncheng, ZHENG Yongting, BAI Yuelei. Predictions of Phase Stability and Properties of S-group Elements Containing MAX Borides [J]. Journal of Inorganic Materials, 2024, 39(2): 225-232.
[4]	LIU Yanyan, XIE Xi, LIU Zengqian, ZHANG Zhefeng. Metal Matrix Composites Reinforced by MAX Phase Ceramics: Fabrication, Properties and Bioinspired Designs [J]. Journal of Inorganic Materials, 2024, 39(2): 145-152.
[5]	DING Haoming, LI Mian, LI Youbing, CHEN Ke, XIAO Yukun, ZHOU Jie, TAO Quanzheng, Johanna Rosen, YIN Hang, BAI Yuelei, ZHANG Bikun, SUN Zhimei, WANG Junjie, ZHANG Yiming, HUANG Zhenying, ZHANG Peigen, SUN Zhengming, HAN Meikang, ZHAO Shuang, WANG Chenxu, HUANG Qing. Progress in Structural Tailoring and Properties of Ternary Layered Ceramics [J]. Journal of Inorganic Materials, 2023, 38(8): 845-884.
[6]	XIAO Yani, LYU Jianan, LI Zhenming, LIU Mingyang, LIU Wei, REN Zhigang, LIU Hongjing, YANG Dongwang, YAN Yonggao. Hygrothermal Stability of Bi₂Te₃-based Thermoelectric Materials [J]. Journal of Inorganic Materials, 2023, 38(7): 800-806.
[7]	LI Yue, ZHANG Xuliang, JING Fangli, HU Zhanggui, WU Yicheng. Growth and Property of Ce³⁺-doped La₂CaB₁₀O₁₉ Crystal [J]. Journal of Inorganic Materials, 2023, 38(5): 583-588.
[8]	WAN Jiabao, ZHANG Minghui, SU Huaiyu, CAO Zhijun, LIU Xuechao, XIE Jiansheng, WANG Xiangyuan, SHI Yinghui, WANG Liang, LEI Shuijin. Structural, Thermal, and Optical Properties of GeO₂-La₂O₃-TiO₂ Glasses [J]. Journal of Inorganic Materials, 2023, 38(10): 1230-1236.
[9]	DING Jianxiang, ZHANG Kaige, LIU Dongming, ZHENG Wei, ZHANG Peigen, SUN Zhengming. Ag-based Electrical Contact Material Reinforced by Ti₃AlC₂ Ceramic and Its Derivative Ti₃C₂T_x [J]. Journal of Inorganic Materials, 2022, 37(5): 567-573.
[10]	LI Youbing, QIN Yanqing, CHEN Ke, CHEN Lu, ZHANG Xiao, DING Haoming, LI Mian, ZHANG Yiming, DU Shiyu, CHAI Zhifang, HUANG Qing. Molten Salt Synthesis of Nanolaminated Sc₂SnC MAX Phase [J]. Journal of Inorganic Materials, 2021, 36(7): 773-778.
[11]	ZHANG Xiao, LI Youbing, CHEN Ke, DING Haoming, CHEN Lu, LI Mian, SHI Rongrong, CHAI Zhifang, HUANG Qing. Tailoring MAX Phase Magnetic Property Based on M-site and A-site Double Solid Solution [J]. Journal of Inorganic Materials, 2021, 36(12): 1247-1255.
[12]	ZHU Zhengwang,FENG Rui,LIU Yang,ZHANG Yang,XIE Wenhan,DONG Lijie. Preparation and Property of CoFe₂O₄ Nanofibers with Fishbone-like Structure [J]. Journal of Inorganic Materials, 2020, 35(9): 1011-1016.
[13]	CHEN Lei-Lei, DENG Zi-Xuan, LI Mian, LI Peng, CHANG Ke-Ke, HUANG Feng, DU Shi-Yu, HUANG Qing. Phase Diagrams of Novel MAX Phases [J]. Journal of Inorganic Materials, 2020, 35(1): 35-40.
[14]	JIN Sen, WANG Zuo-Tong, DU Ya-Qiong, HU Qian-Ku, YU Jian-Gong, ZHOU Ai-Guo. Hot-pressing Sintering of Double-A-layer MAX Phase Mo₂Ga₂C [J]. Journal of Inorganic Materials, 2020, 35(1): 41-45.
[15]	DANG Xiao-Lin, FAN Xiao-Meng, YIN Xiao-Wei, MA Yu-Zhao, MA Xiao-Kang. Research Progress on Multi-functional Integration MAX Phases Modified Continuous Fiber-reinforced Ceramic Matrix Composites [J]. Journal of Inorganic Materials, 2020, 35(1): 29-34.