Synthesis and characterisation of AlB2 nanopowders by solid state reaction

A simple and effective way for preparing AlB₂ nanopowders was developed using solid state reaction with a mixture of nanometre-sized powders of aluminium and amorphous boron. The optimum synthesis conditions and the structural characteristics of the products were carefully investigated by means of X-ray diffraction, field emission scanning electron microscopy, transmission electron microscopy, high-resolution transmission electron microscopy and an energy dispersive spectrometer. The best result was obtained at a synthesis temperature of 900°C for 2 h with a molar ratio of 1:1.8. The obtained AlB₂ nanopowders consisted of numerous anomalous spherical particles with the grain size ranging from 100 to 200 nm. Furthermore, differential scanning calorimetry analysis showed that the combustion characteristics of the as-prepared AlB₂ nanopowders were better than that of the commercial AlB₂ powder under the same condition.