Electron-irradiation-facilitated production of chemically homogenized nanotwins in nanolaminated carbides

Twin boundaries have been exploited to stabilize ultrafine grains and improve the mechanical properties of nanomaterials. The production twin nanotwins is however prohibitively challenging in carbide ceramics. Using scanning transmission electron microscopes as a unique platform for atomic-scale structure engineering, we demonstrate that platelets could be produced carbides by engineering antisite defects. Antisite defects at metal sites various layered ternary are collectively controllably generated elements homogenized irradiation, which transforms twin-like lamellae into nanotwin platelets. Accompanying chemical homogenization, α-Ti3AlC2 unconventional β-Ti3AlC2. homogeneity width can tuned dose energy bombarding electrons. Chemically boost hardness ~45%. Our results provide new way produce ultrathin (<5 nm) scientifically technologically important materials showcase feasibility defect an angstrom-sized probe.