Synthesis and microwave electromagnetic properties of nanosized titanium nitride

Titanium nitride (TiN) nanoparticles were synthesized by calcination of nanotubular titanic acid (NTA), a precursor, in flowing ammonia at 900 degrees C. It was found that as-prepared TiN nanoparticles had distinct electromagnetic loss behavior and optical behavior when compared with their commercial counterparts, showing promising potential as a new-type of stealth material. In combination with the crystal structure and chemical feature, we speculate that the observed electromagnetic properties of the as-synthesized products might be attributed to their structural defects. Besides, considering the good high temperature stability of TiN, we suppose that the as-prepared TiN nanoparticles might act as a potential candidate of a high temperature microwave-absorbing material. The present research, we believe, will contribute to practicably broadening the scope of electromagnetic wave-absorbing materials.