Synthesis and characterization of mesoporous TiC nanopowder/nanowhisker with low residual carbon processed by sol–gel method

In the present research, Titanium carbide nanopowders and nanowhiskers were synthesized by the sol-gel process using phenolic resin and titanium alkoxide as precursors. The synthesis process was performed in a quaternary alkoxide-catalyst-dispersant-water system. The effect of synthesis temperature and soaking time on the free carbon content and the formation and morphology of TiC nanopowders was investigated. It was revealed that titanium carbide began to nucleate at a temperature of approximately 1200 °C. This process ended at 1400 °C. Surface studies demonstrated that the pores on the surface of the synthesized nanopowders were in the meso range and had a specific surface area of 150 m2/g. Microstructural images indicated that over time, TiC nanowhiskers heterogeneously nucleated from the particle surface and grew in a soaking time of 3 h. The free carbon content detected in the synthesized product under a soaking time of 3 h was reported to be less than 1%.