Synthesis of nanocrystalline titanium nitride by reacting titanium dioxide with sodium amide

A new method for synthesis of nanocrystalline titanium nitride was developed through the reaction of titanium oxide and sodium amide at 500–600 °C for 12 h in an autoclave. X-ray diffraction (XRD) and electron diffraction (SAED) results indicated the product had a cubic phase with lattice parameter a = 4.242 Å. Transmission electron microscopy (TEM) and field emission scanning electron microscopy (FESEM) revealed that the particle sizes were 10 to 40 nm. Quantitative analysis using X-ray photoelectron spectrum (XPS) showed the atomic ratio Ti:N was 1.03:1.