Low-temperature synthesis and properties of VN nanopowder via a combined molten salt nitridation and magnesium thermal reduction

VN powders were synthesized in NZ atmosphere by using V2O5 and Mg as raw materials in KCl-KF molten salt environment. The effects of reaction temperature, reaction time and the presence or absence of salts on the formation of VN powders were investigated. The results showed that when the temperature increased to 700 degrees C, pure phase VN powders were fabricated, along with the specific surface area of 8.428 m(2) g(-1). As the temperature rose from 700 to 800 degrees C, VN powders presented the smallest average size of 0.10 mu m. The electro-chemical performance test showed that the specific capacitance of VN was 25 F/g at 0.5 A/g and the internal resistance was 1.8 Omega. The VN emission peak was composed of 263, 388 and 547 nm, indicating that it has good optical properties. A possible synthesis mechanism of VN powders in molten salt environment powders is proposed.