Elastic constants of NbC and MoN: Instability of B1-MoN

Synthesis of Binary Transition Metal Nitrides, Carbides and Borides from the Elements in the Laser-Heated Diamond Anvil Cell and Their Structure-Property Relations

Transition metal nitrides, carbides and borides have a high potential for industrial applications as they not only have a high melting point but are generally harder and less compressible than the pure metals. Here we summarize recent advances in the synthesis of binary transition metal nitrides, carbides and borides focusing on the reaction of the elements at extreme conditions generated within the laser-heated diamond anvil cell. The current knowledge of their structures and high-pressure properties like high-(p,T) stability, compressibility and hardness is described as obtained from experiments.

Revised prediction of B1 to B2 phase transition pressures in YbN, YbP and YbAs

Quantum mechanical calculations based on density functional theory and a generalized gradient approx imation have been used to study the pressure-induced B1 to B2 structural phase transition in YbN, YbP and YbAs. The phase transitions are predicted to occur at 137 GPa in YbN, at 25 GPa in YbP, and at 20 GPa in YbAs. These values are significantly lower than those predicted by empirical poten tial model calculations. Bulk moduli are predicted to be 136, 70 and 63 GPa for YbN, YbP and YbAs, respectively.