First synthesis of Cr3C2 nanowhiskers by low-temperature vaccum carburization from precursor

•Cr3C2 nanowhiskers were first synthesized at 800 °C by a novel LVCP method.•A homogeneous chemical composition from precursor reduces synthesis temperature.•Cr3C2 nanowhiskers have a single-phase structure and a diameter size of ∼50 nm.

To assist a widespread application of chromium carbide (Cr3C2), it is important to synthesize Cr3C2 nanowhiskers and but there are almost no related reports. In this letter, we first reported a low-lost synthesis of Cr3C2 nanowhiskers at 800 °C by vacuum carburization process using precursor powders as raw materials without Fe/Co/Ni catalysts. X-ray diffraction (XRD) data confirm that Cr3C2 nanowhiskers have a single-phase orthorhombic structure. A homogeneous chemical composition can be obtained in the calcining product from precursor, which reduces significantly the synthesis temperature. Morphological studies using field emission scanning electron microscopy (FESEM) and transmission electron microscopy (TEM) show Cr3C2 nanowhiskers have a clean and smooth surface with a diameter size of ∼50 nm.