| Abstract Scope |
Due to their distinct physical and chemical characteristics, half-Heusler compounds are a type of intermetallic materials that have undergone substantial research. The general formula for these compounds is XYZ, where X and Y are transition metals and Z is a p-block element. Thermoelectricity is among the half-Heusler compounds' most exciting potential uses, but additional possible applications include spintronics, magnetic refrigeration, and superconductivity, among others. Recently, half-Heuslers (and Heuslers) have emerged as candidates for catalysts for hydrogenation. The CoNbSn half-Heusler compound, as well as two other unique intermetallic ternary compounds, Mn4-xCrxAl11 and Fe4Al13-xSix, were all successfully grown as single crystals for the first time using the Sn and Al self-flux techniques, respectively. Structural and compositional studies have been performed with x-ray diffraction and EDS, followed by magnetization measurements. Future plans include in-situ observation of catalysis in Raman spectroscopy. |