Preparation of nano-TiN powders by Ni-catalysed carbothermal reduction nitridation

TiN nanoparticles were prepared at 900–1100 °C by Ni-catalysed carbothermal reduction nitridation from sol-gel using tetrabutyl titanate, citric acid monohydrate and nickel chloride hexahydrate as starting materials. The catalytic effects of nickel on the carbothermal reduction nitridation of xerogels were investigated. Ni has a crucial promoting effect on the carbothermal reduction reaction of the xerogels and visibly enhanced carbothermal reduction and nitridation reactions. The dry gel with 5% NiCl2 was added to obtain nano-TiN at 900 °C. The transmission electron microscopy analysis and Materials Studio simulation results showed that the facilitating effect of Ni on carbothermal reduction nitridation reaction was ascribed to the provision of heterogeneous nucleation sites for amorphous titania, promoting crystallisation and adsorption of N2, resulting in its smooth dissociation into highly active N atoms and consequently enhancing the carbothermal reduction nitridation.