Characterization of W2B Nanocrystals Synthesized by Mechanochemical Method

Abstract

In this study; W₂B nanocrystals were synthesized with B₂O₃/Mg/WO₃ starting materials via mechanochemical method. Starting materials were mixed according to the reaction stoichiometry and reduction processes were performed in a planetary ball mill under Argon gas atmosphere. Phase and morphology structure of particles were characterized by X-ray diffraction (XRD), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), transmission electron microscopy with energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (TEM/EDX) and the specific surface area was measured by Brunauer-Emmet-Teller (BET) theory. The effect of milling period and molar ratios of starting powders were investigated in detail. Results showed that W₂B nanocrystals were obtained successfully without different tungsten compounds after 30 h milling and purification in 2 M HCl solution. Coaxial/spherical shaped and agglomerated W₂B nanocrystals were observed by microstructural examinations. Crystallite size and specific surface area of the W₂B nanocrystals were determined as 13.61 nm and 18 m²/g respectively.

Keywords

• Ball milling, mechanochemical synthesis, nanocrystals, W2B

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