New method for preparation of nanoparticles of high entropy metal nitrides for future energy applications

2022 Fiscal Year Research-status Report

• Project/Area Number: 22K04687
• Research Institution: Shimane University
• Principal Investigator: Pham Hoang.Anh 島根大学, 学術研究院理工学系, 準教授 (60750213)
• Co-Investigator(Kenkyū-buntansha): 森戸 茂一 島根大学, 学術研究院理工学系, 教授 (00301242) ; 北川 裕之 島根大学, 学術研究院理工学系, 准教授 (00325044)
• Project Period (FY): 2022-04-01 – 2025-03-31
• Keywords: Metal nitride / Nanoparticle / Thermal plasma / Plasma synthesis

Outline of Annual Research Achievements

The research aim was to understanding the effect of plasma parameters on the synthesis of metal nitride nano particles. Radio-frequency thermal plasma was used to synthesis of TiN, CrN and TiCrN nanoparticles from the powders of TiN and/or Cr2N. The plasma parameters were successfully optimized for synthesis of binary nitride nanoparticles, e.g. TiN or CrN. When mixing TiN and Cr2N powders for synthesis of TiCrN nanoparticles, a large amount of residual TiN and metal Cr nanopaticles present after plasma synthesis.

Current Status of Research Progress

3: Progress in research has been slightly delayed.

Reason

Difficulty in synthesis of TiCrN suggested that the range of optimal plasma characteristics should be quantitatively evaluated by mean of direction measurement and simulation in order to locate the optimal condition for synthesis of multi-component metal nitride nanoparticles.

Strategy for Future Research Activity

In order to achieve the above mentioned goal. The research aim in this fiscal year is to quantitatively evaluate the plasma characteristics such as plasma temperature distribution, plasma density, and plasma energy. These can be achieved by mean of direct measurement of plasma emission spectrum using light spectrometer and by numerical computation. The binary powders of TiN or Cr2N will be used for the syntheses of TiN and CrN nanoparticles, respectively. Plasma parameters such as plasma gas composition, plasma pressure will be varied and a light spectrometer will be used to measure the plasma gas emission spectrum. The later will be used to derive quantitatively plasma characteristics like plasma temperature, plasma density, and plasma energy. A numerical model will be also developed.

Causes of Carryover

There was difficulty in synthesis of multi-component metal nitride particles because the effect of setting parameters on the plasma characteristics has not been evaluated quantitatively. Therefore, the purchase of different metals nitride powders were delayed. In this fiscal year we expected to solve this problem and process the synthesis of multi-component metal nitrides.