Structural characterization of a new layered-ternary Ta₄AlC₃ ceramic

Bulk Ta₄AlC₃, a new layered-ternary carbide in the Ta–Al–C system, was synthesized and characterized. Transmission electron microscopy investigations on this new phase are reported here. Selected area electron diffraction and convergent beam electron diffraction analyses indicated that this ternary carbide crystallized with the space group P6₃/mmc. Atomic-scale microstructures of Ta₄AlC₃ were achieved by means of high-resolution transmission electron microscopy and Z-contrast scanning transmission electron microscopy. The experimental crystal structural parameters agreed well with the theoretical values obtained using density-functional calculations.