Synthesis of Vanadium Carbide by Mechanical Activation Assisted Carbothermic Reduction

Vanadium carbide is known, for its hardness and other unique properties, as a refractory material. The synthesis of vanadium carbide is always associated with the utilization of expensive active metals, such as aluminum, calcium and magnesium, as a reducing agent to extract the vanadium metal from its corresponding oxide, followed by carbidization. The carbidization of reduced vanadium requires a complicated process and elevated temperature. Mechanical activation to synthesize vanadium carbide from its corresponding oxide and carbon source represents a promising, straightforward and less energy-intensive route. In the present study, vanadium carbide is synthesized by the carbothermic reduction of a mechanically activated mixture of V₂O₅ and carbon black as reducing agents without any additives. The reduction process is monitored by means of thermogravimetric analysis. The reduction products are characterized by X-ray diffraction and field emission scanning electron microscope. It is found that V₈C₇ with an average crystallite size of 88 nm can be synthesized from a V₂O₅-C mixture after milling for 15 h and further heating at 1050 °C for 1 h in an inert atmosphere.