Characterization of crystalline SiCN formed during the nitridation of silicon and cornstarch powder compacts

This work reported that crystalline SiCN formed during the nitridation of silicon and cornstarch powder compacts when the temperature exceeded 1350 °C. The resultant samples were characterized by X-ray diffraction (XRD), X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS), thermogravimetric (TG) and transmission electron microscopy (TEM). By comprehensive analysis, crystalline SiCN possessed cubic and hexagonal structure derived from SiC and Si3N4. SiCN crystals had a rod like shape, and its length could reach several μm. The element molar ratios and the crystal structure of SiCN depended on the soaking temperature as well as the formation mechanism. The nitridation of the compacted pellet composed of silicon and cornstarch presented a facile route to synthesize crystalline SiCN.