Precursor synthesis and properties of nanodispersed tungsten carbide and nanocomposites WC:nC

Nanoscale tungsten carbide (WC) and WC:nC nanocomposites have been synthesized by the precursor method. The precursor, obtained in the form of a glassy mass by thermal treatment of a mixture of (NH4)10W12O41∙7H2O and glycerol, was heated in inert gaseous atmosphere up to 1050-1100 °C. The concentration of chemically active carbon in the precursor and nanocomposites depends on the W/C ratio in the initial mixture. At W/C=1/3 pure tungsten carbide is formed; at W/C>1/3 composites of WC and free carbon (WC:nC) are formed. Heating of the precursor with W/C=1/6 up to 1100 °C in helium atmosphere results in the formation of carbon-encapsulated tungsten carbide nanoparticles. An increase in the precursor-heating rate leads to the formation of chain-like structures. Each chain consists of hexagonal WC grains with unit cell parameters a=2.93 Å and c=2.83 Å. Free carbon in WC:nC composites forms agglomerates of carbon “nano-onions” of spherical or multi-layered tubular shapes.