Using a cobalt activator to synthesize titanium carbide (TiC) nanopowders

Abstract Titanium carbide (TiC) nanopowders were successfully synthesized by in-situ reduction and carbonization using a precursor comprising elemental titanium, carbon, and cobalt. The samples prepared at different conditions were characterized by X-ray diffraction and transmission electron microscopy techniques. The thermolysis process of the precursor was investigated by themogravimetric analysis and differential thermal analysis. The experimental results show that the samples have average sizes ranging within 30–40 nm. In addition, the experimental temperature is 100–900 °C lower and the reaction time is 2–90 h shorter than those used in the conventional carbothermal reduction method.