Synthesis and characterization of ZrB2 nanopowders via metallothermic reduction of ZrCl4 using Na, Mg and Al in mild temperature: a morphology/reductant correlation

• Main Authors: Mehdi Emamalizadeh, Mohammad Mahdavi, Arash Shokrolahi
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Published: Elsevier 2020-07-01
• Series: Journal of Materials Research and Technology
• Subjects: Synthesis; Ultrahigh-temperature ceramics; Nanoparticles; Metallothermic reduction; Zirconium diboride
• Online Access: http://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S2238785420312667

In this research, zirconium diboride (ZrB2) nanopowder was synthesized in different particle sizes and morphologies via methallothermic reduction technique at low-temperature ranges by reaction of ZrCl4, B2O3 and metallic reductants (Na, Mg and Al). The effects of different parameters on the purity and morphology of the powders were studied. Furthermore, adding NaCl as a diluent was also investigated. The morphologies of synthesized particles were characterized by SEM, while phase analyses of the powders were carried out by X-ray diffraction. Based on the XRD results, the existence of the main phase of ZrB2 in the product was detected. According to the results, the SEM images showed agglomeration of fine particles, while by considering the TEM images and statistical sizes, a narrow size distribution of ZrB2 nanoparticles were indicated, within the range of 11 to 69 nm in crystallite sizes. Also, the effects of different parameters including the reducing agent, heating time, temperature, reactants mole ratios, and diluent component were assessed in the synthesis process.