NITRIDES FROM SOLID-STATE METATHESIS REACTIONS - SYNTHESIS AND MECHANISTICS

Initiation of a reaction between lithium nitride and anhydrous metal h alides induces a spontaneous exothermic self-propagating reaction. The products were washed with methanol and analysed as crystalline metal nitrides (TiN, ZrN, HfN) by X-ray powder diffraction, SEM-EDXA, FT-IR, microanalysis, XPS and magnetic moment measurements. The crystallite size and composition can be controlled in the reaction by the addition of an inert heat sink. Differential Scanning Calorimetry shows exothe rms at 200-500 degrees C, whilst thermocouple measurements show a reac tion temperature in excess of 1000 degrees C. (C) 1998 Elsevier Scienc e S.A. All rights reserved.