Facile synthesis, characterization and photocatalytic activity of niobium carbide

Niobium carbide (NbC) powders were prepared via a novel route at 550 °C and 8 h, using metallic magnesium powders, niobium pentoxide (Nb2O5), and potassium acetate (CH3COOK) as starting materials. The structure and morphology of the product were characterized by X-ray powder diffraction (XRD) and scanning electron microscopy (SEM). The results indicated that as-prepared product was crystallized in pure cubic NbC phase and the size of the sample was estimated to be around 120 nm. The Rietveld refinement of the XRD data gives the cell constant a = 4.4718 Å. According to the Scherrer formula, the real grain size was about 70 nm. The BET surface area of the sample was ca.29.3 m2/g. The grain size distribution of the sample was about 467 nm, which was characterized by N4 PLUS submicron Particle Size Analyzer. The cubic NbC powders exhibited photocatalytic activity in degradation of Rhodamine-B (RhB) under 300 W mercury lamp light irradiation.

Graphical abstractWe discovered that the cubic NbC powders exhibited photocatalytic activity in degradation of Rhodamine-B (RhB) under 300 W mercury lamp light irradiation.Figure optionsDownload full-size imageDownload as PowerPoint slideHighlights► The synthesised temperatures are low, in an autoclave at 550 °C. ► These raw materials are safe; all manipulations are rather safe and convenient. ► Carbon source is much cheaper and lower cost than other organic carbon sources. ► The synthesis of NbC nanopowders may find potential industrial applications.