The MAX phases are layered, hexagonal carbides and nitrides which have the general formula: Mn+1AXn, (MAX) where n = 1 to 4, and M is an early transition metal, A is an A-group (mostly IIIA and IVA, or groups 13 and 14) element and X is either carbon and/or nitrogen. The layered structure consists of edge-sharing, distorted XM6 octahedra interleaved by single planar layers of the A-group element.