Research on the preparation of Fe2AlB2 MAB phase by molten salt electrochemical method and its electrochemical performance

Fe 2 AlB 2 has emerged as a research hotspot due to its high damage tolerance and magnetocaloric effect, serving as a representative MAB-phase ceramic. Addressing the stringent storage and reaction environment requirements associated with using Al powder as raw material in Fe 2 AlB 2 preparation, this study employs a molten salt electrochemical method using FeB and Al 2 O 3 as raw materials. Analysis of the reaction mechanism reveals that electrochemical reduction of Al 2 O 3 occurs first, followed by mutual diffusion of Al and FeB to form Fe 2 AlB 2 . The reduction of Al 2 O 3 primarily occurs during the initial stage and influences the formation of Fe 2 AlB 2 due to the rapid progression of the electrochemical reaction. Characterization and performance studies of the synthesized Fe 2 AlB 2 demonstrate the acquisition of a layered structure and Fe 2 AlB 2 powder with certain electrochemical properties. • A cost-effective and safer synthesis route for Fe 2 AlB 2 is developed by using Al 2 O 3 instead of metallic Al powder. • A green and low-cost strategy for synthesizing Fe 2 AlB 2 is reported via molten salt electrolysis for the first time. • Microstructural characterization (SEM/TEM) reveals the distinctive nanolaminated morphology of the as-synthesized Fe 2 AlB 2 .