Synthesis of high-entropy diboride nanopowders via molten salt-mediated magnesiothermic reduction

Powder synthesis is critical for implementing the wide applications of high-entropy diborides (HEBs). However, the low-temperature synthesis of HEB powders was rarely reported. Herein, the low-temperature synthesis of the single-phase HEB nanopowders via molten salt-mediated magnesiothermic reduction (MMR) method was reported for the first time. The results showed that the as-synthesized nanopowders consisted of the single-phase HEBs and their average particle sizes are in the range of 28-56 nm. Meanwhile, they possessed the good compositional homogeneity and the low-content oxygen impurity in the range of 4.13-6.12 at%. In addition, their formation mechanism could be well interpreted by a classical MMR growth process.