Synthesis of nanocrystalline CrN from Cr[OC(NH2)2]6Cl3 coordination compound

Nanocrystalline chromium nitride (CrN) particles were prepared by the pyrolysis of Cr[OC(NH2)2]6Cl3 coordination compound in ammonia gas. The compound was characterized by infrared spectrum analysis and thermogravimetry-differential scanning calorimetry (TG-DSC). X-ray diffraction (XRD) and transmission electron microscopy (TEM) were used to investigate the phase and morphology of the CrN powders. The CrN particle size obtained at 600 °C was as small as 7 nm. The influence of reaction temperature and time on particle sizes was also studied. The formation of CrN nanoparticles was proposed following nucleation and growth mechanism on the basis of the experimental results.