Synthesis and magnetic properties of highly dispersed tantalum carbide nanoparticles decorated on carbon spheres

Abstract

The decoration of carbon spheres (CS) by highly dispersed tantalum carbide nanoparticles (TaC NPs) was achieved, for the first time by a unique carbothermal reduction method at 1350 °C for 30 min under reduced oxygen partial pressure. TaC NPs decorated CS composites were then extensively characterized by powder X-ray diffraction and electron microscopy techniques. The composite spheres were approximately 0.8-1 μm in diameter with an average size of 41 nm for the TaC NPs located at the surface. Transmission electron microscopy and Raman analysis showed the formation of the graphene layer at the outer surface of the TaC NPs. An anomalous ferromagnetic response with a spin-glass like behavior has been observed at low temperature in the dc magnetization study with complete suppression of the superconducting response. For ease of synthesis and high reproducibility, this technique opens a new paradigm in the preparation of carbon sphere supported high melting metal carbide nanoparticles for various technological purposes.

One step transformation of waste polyvinyl chloride to tantalum carbide@carbon nanocomposite at low temperature

“…As one of the most important ultra-high temperature ceramics, tantalum carbide (TaC) has currently received increasing attention due to its unique physical and chemical properties such as high hardness (15)(16)(17)(18)(19), high melting point (3880°C), high elastic modulus (5337 GPa), excellent thermal and chemical stability, and good electrical conductivity. 1,2 Because of these outstanding properties, TaC is considered to be a promising material for cutting tools, rocket nozzles, and other aerospace applications.…”

“…18 Recently, TaC nanoparticles decorated on carbon spheres have been synthesized by a carbothermal reduction method under reduced oxygen partial pressure at 1350°C for 30 minutes. 19 However, these synthesis methods require complex equipment and high reaction temperature. Very recently, TaC have been synthesized at low temperature (850°C) in molten CaCl 2 by electrochemical reduction of solid mixture precursors composed of tantalum pentoxide and graphite.…”

Synthesis of tantalum carbide nanoparticles via a simple reductive reaction

“…18) Bhattacharjee and co-workers have been synthesized TaC nanoparticles decorated on carbon spheres by a carbothermal reduction method at 1350 °C under reduced oxygen partial pressure. 19) Recently, nanocrystalline metal carbides have been synthesized by the electro-chemical reduction of solid mixture precursors composed of transition metal oxides and graphite powder at low temperature (850 °C) in molten CaCl 2 . 20) Transition metal carbides can also be synthesized by using waste plastic as carbon source.…”