Facile and scalable synthesis of Ti5Si3 nanoparticles via solid-state route in an autoclave

A novel method of the synthesis of titanium silicide nanoparticles via solid-state route in an autoclave at 700°C is reported. The reaction of titanium silicide could be described briefly as: 5TiO2 + 3Si + 20Li = Ti5Si3 + 10Li2O. XRD pattern indicated that the product was hexagonal Ti5Si3. The Ti5Si3particle size (about 20–40 nm) is confirmed by the TEM images. Furthermore, the thermal stability and oxidation resistance of the titanium silicide nanoparticles were also investigated.