On the carbothermal vapour–liquid–solid (VLS) mechanism for TaC, TiC, and TaxTi1–xC whisker growth

The growth of TaC, TiC and TaxTi1-xC whiskers has been studied in some detail. The whiskers were synthesised via a vapour–liquid–solid (VLS) growth mechanism in the temperature range 1220–1400°C. The starting materials were Ta2O5, TiO2, C, NaCl, and a catalyst metal (Ni, Co, Fe, and Cu were tested). The main reaction during synthesis was a carbothermal reduction of Ta2O5 and TiO2, and NaCl was added to form the oxochlorides and chlorides of Ta and Ti that account for the transport to the catalyst metal. The syntheses were made in a protecting Ar atmosphere. From experiments interrupted after different times at the synthesis temperature it is clear that sodium tantalates form as intermediate products, whereas sodium titanates cannot be identified. Only metals that are able to dissolve the elements building up the whiskers work as catalysts. Whisker growth starts either from a catalyst droplet in contact with carbon or from an oxide particle in contact with both catalyst metal and carbon. For TaC and TaxTi1-xC the only growth direction observed is [100], while TiC may grow either along [100] or along [111].