Porous niobium-tantalum carbides composite as promising material via cost-effective processing

NbC/NbTaC₂ nanocomposite with unique porous structure was prepared by carbidization by using electrochemical transport reactions. The chemical and phase composition, character of porosity, morphology, and pore size distribution were studied by using mass spectrometry, XRD, HRTEM, SEM, EBSD, and BET methods. The effect of high-temperature annealing on the porosity was considered. The powder consisted of spherical nanoparticles with internal cavities. The nanocomposite contained pores of various sizes and types. The main size of pores was about 13 nm. The agreement of the results obtained by different methods also confirms the correctness of the approximations used to study the porosity by the N₂ adsorption-desorption method. Synergetic effect of the precursors (including Ta) and preparation method on the development of unique mesopores plays a crucial role. Such type of porosity allows filling the nanocomposite with additional particles or molecules of various sizes. This paper proposes a convenient route to prepare unique porosity nanocomposites, which are capable to act as a matrix for introducing additional elements or gases, i.e. for synthesizing composites with new properties. Such nanocomposites can also act as an electrocatalyst and accumulator for gas storage.