Synthesis of ultra-fine TaB2 nano powders by liquid phase method

Ultra-fine TaB2 powders were synthesized by a liquid phase method using tantalum ethoxide, boric acid and sucrose as the sources of tantalum, boron, and carbon. The TaB2 precursor powders is a Ta-B-C-O network system, which were heat-treated at lower temperature (1500 degrees C) in normal argon atmosphere to obtain the TaB2 powders. XRD confirms the presence of only hexagonal TaB2, while EDS and XPS spectrums confirm the composition and element chemical states of TaB2. The TEM images show a platelet shape of the TaB2 powder and the monocrystal SAED pattern confirms the presence of hexagonal TaB2. Particle size distribution curves show that particle size of the TaB2 powders distributes in the range of 30-160 nm, whose mean particle size is 106 nm.