Combinatorial synthesis and rapid characterization of Mo1−xSnx (0x1) thin films

Thin films of Mo_1−xSn_x, continuously and linearly mapped for 0<x<1, have been prepared by d.c. magnetron sputter deposition under various growth conditions. X-ray diffraction results indicate that as x in high-pressure deposited Mo_1−xSn_x increases from 0 to approximately 0.45, the bcc lattice expands and no new phases are formed. At low deposition pressures, Mo₃Sn, a β-tungsten structured phase, is formed along with the bcc Mo–Sn solid solution for 0.1<x<0.3. The variation of the lattice parameter for this intermetallic phase also indicates that solid solutions, possibly of the form Mo_3+ySn, are being formed. These materials are of special interest as anode candidates in lithium-ion batteries.