Benzene-thermal preparation of nanocrystalline chromium nitride

Nanocrystalline CrN was successfully prepared through the liquid-solid reac tion of anhydrous CrCl3 and Li3N, via a benzene-thermal method in the tempe rature range of 350-420 degrees C, which is much lower than that used in co nventional methods. This process is simple and easy to control. X-ray diffr action (XRD) indicated that the compound was cubic CrN phase with cell cons tant a = 4.13 Angstrom. Transmission electron microscopy (TEM) images showe d that the average particle size was about 25 nm. X-ray photoelectron spect roscopy (XPS) indicated that the as-prepared products contained a small amo unt (less than 20%) of amorphous carbon. (C) 1999 Elsevier, Science Ltd.