SYNTHESIS OF TI, GA, AND V NITRIDES - MICROWAVE-ASSISTED CARBOTHERMALREDUCTION AND NITRIDATION

A simple, novel, and fast method of preparation of metal nitride powde rs (GaN, TiN, and VN) using microwave-assisted carbothermal reduction and nitridation has been demonstrated. The procedure uses the respecti ve oxides and amorphous carbon powder as the starting materials. Ammon ia gas is found to be more effective in nitridation than high-purity N -2 gas. Complete nitridation is achieved by the use of a slight excess of amorphous carbon. Metals themselves are not found to be effectivel y nitrided. The products were characterized using XRD, TEM, and SAED a nd found to possess good crystallinity and phase purity. The method ca n be of general applicability for the preparation of metal nitrides.