Reduction-nitridation synthesis of titanium nitride nanocrystals

Titanium nitride (TiN) particles (8 nm) were prepared via a reduction-nitridation route in an autoclave at 500degreesC, using TiCl4, NH4Cl, and metal Na as reactants. X-ray powder diffraction indicated that the product was a NaCl-type of TiN with a cell constant a = 4.242 Angstrom. Transmission electron microscopy images showed that the TiN particles were 5-10 mn. Raman spectra showed the defect-induced first-order shifts in the TiN nanocrystals.