Synthesis and characterization of TiB2 nanopowder

In this research, TiB powder was synthesized using the sol-gel process, resulting in nanometer-scale dimensions. Raw materials employed included titanium isopropoxide and trimethyl borate. Various analytical techniques, including DLS, Zetameter, XRD, FTIR, SEM, and DTA/TG, were employed to elucidate the mechanism of product formation in the sol-gel process. FTIR data indicated the presence of B-Ti and carbon-containing bonds within the 600-1650 cm-1 range in the prepared gel powder. DTA analysis revealed that the initial nucleation of TiB2 particles occurred within the temperature range of 1300ºC. XRD patterns confirmed the formation of the TiB2 crystalline phase, which further progressed with increasing temperature, reaching up to 1400ºC. Surface analysis of the synthesized particles indicated a specific surface area of approximately 153.42 m²/g, with porous and meso-sized surfaces. PSA results showed that the particle size distribution is in the range below 50 nm. SEM and TEM microstructural images provided visual evidence of the synthesis of TiB2 particles smaller than 100 nm, characterized by a narrow and uniform distribution range.