Solid-state chemistry route for supported tungsten and tungsten carbide nanoparticles

Nanoparticles of tungsten and tungsten carbide have been prepared using solid-state chemistry methods. After the vapor phase impregnation of a tungsten hexachloride precursor on a carbon support, a temperature-programmed reduction/carburization was performed. Several parameters were investigated and the evolution of obtained samples was followed by XRD and TEM. The optimization of the reaction parameters led to the preparation of W, W2C and WC particles well dispersed on the support. WC phase however could not be obtained alone with less than 10nm mean size. This could be explained by the carburization mechanism and the carbon diffusion on the support. Bright field picture of carbon-supported WC nanoparticles dispersed on the surface of the sample 1223K in 10% CH4/90% H2. [Display omitted] ► We aimed at the preparation of supported nanoparticulate tungsten derivatives. ► Several parameters were investigated. ► The evolution of obtained samples was followed by XRD and TEM. ► The optimal preparation led to W, W2C and WC particles dispersed on the support.