Single step synthesis of nano vanadium carbide—V8C7 phase

In the present work, nano vanadium carbide V8C7 phase is synthesized using a chemical‐reduction route. All the experiments were performed in a self-designed and fabricated autoclave of 50 ml capacity by taking identical amounts of V2O5 and Mg (as the reducing agent) in each experiment. The amount of acetone as carbon source was varied in order to optimize the condition for obtaining the V8C7 phase. The powder obtained is characterized by X‐ray diffraction technique, Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM) and Transmission Electron Microscopy (TEM). The mechanism of transformation is discussed in light of obtained structure. High purity V8C7 powders of 28–34 nm were obtained under optimized conditions.

► V8C7 nanopowders have been synthesized by chemical‐reduction route in autoclave. ► This synthesis of V8C7 powder through this technique is our first reporting. ► Uniform size of V8C7 nanopowders has been obtained in this synthesis process.