Synthesis and Characterization of Nano-sized Boron Powder Prepared by Plasma Torch

Hydrogen thermal plasma jet was employed to prepare nano-sized boron powder with hydrogen reduction of BCl3. The maximum yield of nano-sized boron powders was about 50% with the operational conditions of H2/BCl3 of 4.5:1, total feed of 4.9 m3/h, and plasma power of 25 kW. The samples were analyzed by X-ray diffraction (XRD), field emission scanning electron microscopy (FE-SEM), and inductively coupled plasma - mass spectrometry (ICP-MS), inductively coupled plasma - atomic emission spectrometry (ICP-AES), inductive combustion infrared absorption (ICIA) and infrared thermal conductivity of oxygen and nitrogen analyzer (ITCA). The results show that the boron powders have different crystal structures with higher dispersion and purity. The average diameter is about 50 nm, and the purity is 90.29% or so. This new technology can use simple process to produce high quality boron powders, and is feasible for industrial production.