Synthesis of AlN nanoparticles by gas reduction-nitridation

Abstract

Aluminum nitride nanoparticles were successfully synthesized from transition alumina nanoparticles using an NH₃-C₃H₈ gas mixture as a reduction-nitridation agent. Phase-pure, nanocrystalline AlN powder with primary particle size of 30 nm and specific surface area of 36 m²/g was prepared under typical reaction condition. Produced AlN nanoparticles possess excellent sinterability, allowing full densification under conventional processing conditions even without the addition of sintering aids.