Kinetic and thermodynamics studies on the decompositions of Ni3C in different atmospheres

The thermal decompositions (including TG and DSC) of nickel carbide were studied under different atmospheres of Ar, air and H2. X-ray diffraction combined with element analysis indicated that nickel metal, together with solid amorphous carbon, was formed during Ni3C decomposition in Ar atmosphere, accompanying mass invariant in this process. While in H2 atmosphere nickel metal was the only residual from reactions. The carbon component of nickel carbide reacted with H2 to form methane as the main volatile gases. Both the nickel and carbon components of Ni3C reacted with O2 in the air to form their corresponding oxides. Moreover, we calculated the activation energy for the decomposition process and the molar enthalpy of formation of Ni3C based on the thermal analysis.