NONSTOICHIOMETRIC TRANSITION METAL COMPOUNDS A review

This review embraces the entire range of problems associated with nonstoichiometry and structural vacancies in carbides, nitrides and oxides of transition metals. The experimental techniques and computer models presented are applicable to various systems with high configurational entropy and they permit a unified approach to the structure, phase diagrams and other physical and chemical properties of these systems. Special attention is paid to optimization of the composition of nonstoichiometric transition metal compounds because it is imperatively for the structure and functional properties of the materials based on the compounds. Materials scientists using refractory compounds to create novel super hard and tough materials or materials for nanoelectronics will find in this review essential information on the interplay between atomic-vacancy and electronic structure in nonstoichiometric transition metal compounds.