The reduction of various nitrides under hydrogen: Ni3N, Cu3N, Zn3N2 and Ta3N5

Alexander, A.-M., Hargreaves, J.S.J. and Mitchell, C. (2012) The reduction of various nitrides under hydrogen: Ni3N, Cu3N, Zn3N2 and Ta3N5. Topics in Catalysis, 55(14-15), pp. 1046-1053. (doi: 10.1007/s11244-012-9890-3)

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Abstract

Metal nitrides may be of interest as potential sources of activated nitrogen which can be reacted with target organic molecules. Accordingly, the reduction of nitrogen within Ni<sub>3</sub>N, Cu<sub>3</sub>N, Zn<sub>3</sub>N<sub>2</sub> and Ta<sub>3</sub>N<sub>5</sub> under a 1/3 Ar/H<sub>2</sub> flow at elevated temperature has been determined as a simple test of lattice nitrogen reactivity. As anticipated by consideration of their stability, Ni<sub>3</sub>N and Cu<sub>3</sub>N are reduced completely at 250 °C with up to 30 % of their total lattice nitrogen yielding ammonia. The elimination of N<sub>2</sub> results in the formation of pores which are particularly pronounced in the case of the denitrided Cu system. In the case of Zn<sub>3</sub>N<sub>2</sub>, the lattice nitrogen is less reactive with incomplete denitridation being observed at 400 °C and the amount of ammonia produced being 15 % of the total nitrogen available. Although Ta<sub>3</sub>N<sub>5</sub> contains the least reactive nitrogen of the four samples studied, it can be regenerated by ammonolysis which is an important consideration in any envisaged application.

Item Type:Articles
Status:Published
Refereed:Yes
Glasgow Author(s) Enlighten ID:Alexander, Miss Anne-Marie and Hargreaves, Professor Justin
Authors: Alexander, A.-M., Hargreaves, J.S.J., and Mitchell, C.
College/School:College of Science and Engineering > School of Chemistry
Journal Name:Topics in Catalysis
Publisher:Springer
ISSN:1022-5528
ISSN (Online):1572-9028
Published Online:21 August 2012

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