A New Method for the Synthesis of a NbC/C Nanocomposite

— We have developed a new method for the synthesis of a NbC/C nanocomposite (niobium carbide in a fine-particle carbon matrix) via thermal decomposition of solid products of reaction between NbCl 5 and C 2 H 2 in an organic solvent. The precursor and NbC/C nanocomposite have been characterized by X-ray diffraction, scanning electron microscopy, transmission electron microscopy, and Raman spectroscopy. The nanocomposite contains NbC with a crystallite size under 8 nm in a fine-particle carbon matrix consisting of an amorphous ( D ) and a graphitized ( G ) phase in the ratio I D / I G = 1.76. Using nitrogen adsorption/desorption measurements, we have determined the average pore size in the composite (3.8 nm), the average pore volume (0.54 cm 3 /g), and the specific surface area (128 m 2 /g). Intermediate thermal decomposition products obtained at 500, 600, 700, 800, and 900°C have been identified by X-ray diffraction.