The preparation of Ti(C,N,O) nanoparticles using binary carbonaceous titania aerogel Original Research Article

The Ti(C, N, O) nanoparticles have been prepared by using binary carbonaceous titania aerogel as precursor of carbothermal reduction reaction. The binary aerogel precursor, composed of binary carbon–titania nanoparticles with particle sizes in the range 1–8 nm, is obtained by a sol–gel supercritical fluid drying method. This method provides a homogeneous distribution of titania within carbon and high contact area between the reactants, leading to the formation of loose agglomerated Ti(C, N, O) nanoparticles at a lower carbothermal reduction temperature. The BET surface areas of binary carbonaceous–titania aerogel and its carbothermal reduction products at various temperatures are investigated. The Ti(C, N, O) formed over a range of 1000–1300°C in flowing argon are also characterized by TEM, EDX spectrum, XRD and chemical analyses. The results show that the carbothermal reduction temperature is important for the crystallite growth of Ti(C, N, O) powders.