Nasrin Moradbeigi

Synthesis of nitrides in a nitrogen atmosphere is more challenging than in an ammonia atmosphere due to the different chemical properties of nitrogen and ammonia. Nitrogen in the gaseous phase has a very stable triple bond (N≡N), which requires extremely high temperatures and/or catalysts to break in order to form nitrides. As you mentioned, the temperature required to break the triple bond exceeds 2000 K, which is beyond most laboratory capabilities.

Synthesis of nitrides in a nitrogen atmosphere:The synthesis of nitrides in a nitrogen atmosphere is theoretically possible but challenging due to the stability of molecular nitrogen. Without the presence of ammonia, molecular nitrogen does not readily react with many metals or other substances that form nitrides. To achieve the reaction, very high temperatures or catalysts are needed to activate the nitrogen molecule and allow it to react with the metal.

Solutions for nitride synthesis in a nitrogen atmosphere:

Practical application:In industrial settings, processes like nano-powder methods for nitride synthesis in a nitrogen atmosphere can be implemented with certain catalysts and elevated temperatures, but careful control of temperature, pressure, and gas concentrations in the furnace is essential. Additionally, adding catalysts can significantly improve the efficiency of the process.

Yes, it is theoretically possible to synthesize nitrides in a pure nitrogen atmosphere, but this requires higher temperatures or the use of catalysts that can activate molecular nitrogen. If the temperature is not high enough to activate nitrogen, a catalyst can play a key role in lowering the energy barriers and enabling nitride synthesis.

Alternatively you could use glow discharge in an low pressure atmosphere of nitrogen (or ammonia) to create reactive nitrogen ions at lower temperatures. A relative simple vacuum chamber is required.