Iron single crystal growth from a lithium-rich melt

TL;DR

This paper reports the successful growth of high-quality alpha-iron single crystals from a lithium-rich melt, analyzing their structure, composition, and growth conditions.

Contribution

It introduces a novel method for growing alpha-iron single crystals from a lithium-rich melt and characterizes their structural and chemical properties.

Findings

Crystals formed at around 800°C with several millimeters in size.

Crystals confirmed to have b.c.c. structure and high quality.

Nitrogen content in crystals measured at 90 ppm.

Abstract

\alpha-Fe single crystals of rhombic dodecahedral habit were grown from a melt of Li$_{84}$N$_{12}$Fe$_{\sim 3}$. Crystals of several millimeter along a side form at temperatures around $T \approx 800^\circ$C. Upon further cooling the growth competes with the formation of Fe-doped Li$_3$N. The b.c.c. structure and good sample quality of \alpha-Fe single crystals were confirmed by X-ray and electron diffraction as well as magnetization measurements and chemical analysis. A nitrogen concentration of 90\,ppm was detected by means of carrier gas hot extraction. Scanning electron microscopy did not reveal any sign of iron nitride precipitates.