On the Synthesis of Tantalum-Carbide Powder by the Reaction of Tantalum with Toluene

The process of obtaining powders of tantalum carbides using a tantalum powder as a precursor and toluene vapors as a carbon source is investigated. Powders of tantalum carbides TaC and Ta2C are obtained in the temperature range of 650–850°C using magnesium as an in situ deoxidizer of tantalum. The specific surface of the powders is at a level of 8–25 m2/g. The average sizes of carbide crystallites are 7–16 nm. The powders are characterized by a mesoporous structure.