Effect of APC on controlling precursors properties in the sol for synthesizing meso porous ZrC nanopowder through sol-gel process

Effect of APC on controlling precursors properties in the sol for synthesizing meso porous ZrC nanopowder through sol-gel process

The dispersion characteristics of the suspension containing precursors were investigated in terms of charge, particle size, and rheological properties. Ammonium polycarboxylate (APC) was manipulated as a sol-dispersing agent to reach a particle size of less than 5 nm. With regard to DLS analysis, the presence of APC stabilizes particles in the sol with precise control over their sizes in less than 10 nm. At intermediate pHs, the viscosity of the sol containing precursor increases which leads to a decrease in the particles stability. FTIR analysis of gel powder confirmed the proper formation of Zr-O-C bonds through hydrolysis and condensation reactions. The surface of the synthesized nanopowders is porous and in the meso range, so that their specific surface area is 165 m2/g. DTA analysis indicated that initial nuclei of ZrC were formed at around 1320ºC, which XRD patterns confirm this. SEM microstructure images showed that ZrC particles were created in the nanometer dimensions, and particle size distribution were reported in a narrow range with uniform morphology. TEM images and their diffraction patterns represented the synthesis of crystalline ZrC particles less than 50 nm.