Synthesis of high‐entropy diboride nanopowders via molten salt‐mediated magnesiothermic reduction

Abstract

Abstract Powder synthesis is critical for implementing the wide applications of high‐entropy diborides (HEBs). However, the low‐temperature synthesis of HEB powders was rarely reported. Herein, the low‐temperature synthesis of the single‐phase HEB nanopowders via molten salt‐mediated magnesiothermic reduction (MMR) method was reported for the first time. The results showed that the as‐synthesized nanopowders consisted of the single‐phase HEBs and their average particle sizes are in the range of 28‐56 nm. Meanwhile, they possessed the good compositional homogeneity and the low‐content oxygen impurity in the range of 4.13‐6.12 at%. In addition, their formation mechanism could be well interpreted by a classical MMR growth process.