Synthesis and characterization of carbon-supported nanoparticles for catalytic applications

Metallic and carburized tungsten nanoparticles have been prepared using WCl6 as precursor. The synthesis steps lead from tungsten hexachloride to tungsten carbide following the sequence WCl6 → W0 → α-W2C → WC. These different compounds have been mainly characterized by X-ray diffraction, TEM observations and adsorption measurements. The total reduction of tungsten hexachloride can be completed at T = 973 K. The carburizing of the metallic lattice into carbide WC is observed at 1223 K although incomplete. At this temperature, crystal growth phenomena appear which are not desired for catalysis applications. The synthesis of nanoparticles supported on activated carbon is accompanied by a decrease of the specific surface area of samples, especially during high temperature carburizing.