We present an ab initio theoretical analysis of the temperature-dependent stability of inherently nanolaminated (Cr${}_{1-x}$Mn${}_x$)${}_2$AlC. The results indicate energetic stability over the composition range $x$ $=$ 0.0 to 0.5 for temperatures ≥600 K. Corresponding thin film compounds were grown by magnetron sputtering from four elemental targets. X-ray diffraction in combination with analytical transmission electron microscopy, including electron energy-loss spectroscopy and energy dispersive x-ray spectroscopy analysis, revealed that the films were epitaxial (0001)-oriented single-crystals with $x$ up to 0.16.

• Received 28 June 2012

DOI:https://doi.org/10.1103/PhysRevB.87.094113