Synthesis and characterisation of titanium nitride based nanoparticles

A chemical approach to high surface area titanium nitride based materials is presented using a ligand-assisted ammonolysis reaction of solid TiCl4 complexes at 973 K. The specific surface area of the materials ranges from 37 to 230 m2/g depending on the solid precursor, and is higher than that obtained using conventional gas phase and solvent routes. The shape of the nitrogen physisorption isotherms varies significantly with the choice of the precursor indicating effective morphology control of the particles. The materials were further characterised by TEM, CP/MAS NMR, elemental analyses and X-ray powder diffraction methods. Owing to the high specific surface area and chemical stability, ultrafine TiN powders are promising catalyst supports and active catalysts e.g. for hydrogen storage applications. 28 refs.