Novel synthesis of high surface area SiC by carbothermal reduction process

Abstract

SiC nanoparticles and nanofibres were synthesised by simple carbothermal reduction technology. Low cost water glass and phenolic resin were used as raw materials, and nickel nitrate was added as catalyst. The synthesised samples were characterised by X-ray diffraction, field emission scanning electron microscope, TEM, N₂ adsorption–desorption isotherms and fluorescence spectrophotometer. The results indicate that nickel catalyst can change the morphology and the surface area of SiC. When molar ratio of nickel to silicon equals to 0·0141, SiC nanoparticles with an average diameter of 40 nm are synthesised, and the surface area reaches maximum value, 81 m² g⁻¹. However, SiC nanofibres are prepared with the increase in nickel content, but the surface area decreases. The synthesised SiC have stable and strong photoluminescence property. The synthetic technique has the advantage of being simple, efficient and economical.

Keywords:

• High surface area SiC
• Carbothermal reduction
• Water glass
• Nanoparticles
• Nanofibres

Acknowledgement

The financial support of the School Doctoral Program Foundation (grant no. 20132007) is gratefully acknowledged.