Novel system (K sub(2)TiF sub(6)-N sub(2 )-Ti) to synthesize rod-like TiN nanopowders

• Published in: Particulate science and technology Vol. 34; no. 3; pp. 324 - 331
• Main Authors: Rodriguez, Jorge L, Villavelazquez-Mendoza, Carlos I, Valladares-Vadillo, Leonel, Hodgkins, Robert P, Ibarra-Galvan, Valentin, Mendoza-Barraza, Sonia S, Santoyo-Salazar, Jaime, Cabrera-Lara, Lourdes, Emparan-Legaspi, Maria J
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: 03.05.2016
• Subjects: Byproducts; Fluorides; Fluorine; Foils; Nanostructure; Titanium; Titanium dioxide; Titanium nitride
• ISSN: 0272-6351; 1548-0046
• DOI: 10.1080/02726351.2015.1079581

A direct approach to synthesize rod-like TiN nanopowders by the reaction system (K sub(2)TiF sub(6)-N sub(2 )-Ti) is reported in this paper. Within a tube furnace, a solid precursor (K sub(2)TiF sub(6)) is thermally decomposed at 640 degree C producing TiO sub(2) (sea-urchin-like rutile microstructures), K sub(3)TiOF sub(5) (by-product), and fluorine which moves toward a titanium foil by the effect of an N sub(2) flow synthesizing titanium fluoride species (TiF sub(4) and TiF sub(3)). The titanium foil is located at different temperatures from 500 degree C to 900 degree C. Due to the fact that the quantity of fluorine is limited, the titanium fluoride species eventually become titanium nitrides. The effect of reaction temperature and time was studied and based on an analysis of variance, temperature was found to be the most important factor regarding to the phase composition of TiN nanostructures and also to the real production rate. The highest values of powder production rate (1.29) (the highest possible) and phase concentration (>98% TiN) were found at 800 degree C. Likewise, the reaction time was the most important factor in regard to obtaining the smallest particles ( similar to 16 nm) at 2.5 h.