Protocol for the reactive synthesis of double-A-layer MAX phase Ti₂Bi₂C in a sealed quartz ampule

Ti₂Bi₂C is a ternary atomically layered carbide MAX phase with potential applications in radiation shielding under elevated temperature conditions. Here, we present a protocol for synthesizing the double-A-layer MAX phase Ti₂Bi₂C from elemental Ti, Bi, and C powders. The approach involves steps for powder mixing and homogenization, pressing, vacuum sealing in quartz ampules, and high-temperature solid-state reaction at 1,000°C for 48 h. Powder X-ray diffraction confirms Ti₂Bi₂C formation as the predominant (>70 wt %) synthesis product. For complete details on the use and execution of this protocol, please refer to Kushnir et al.¹