Stability of α′′-Fe16N2 in hydrogenous atmospheres†
Abstract
We revealed the inherent instability of α′′-Fe16N2 in hydrogenous atmospheres due to the denitrification toward α-Fe by forming NH3 at the particle surface. Coating the particle surface with SiO2 to suppress the formation of NH3 has proven to be a simple yet powerful method to enhance the stability of α′′-Fe16N2 in hydrogenous atmospheres.