Analysis of the oxidation behavior of TiBN and optical properties of oxidation products

Abstract

In this research, we conducted an investigation into the oxidation behavior of a novel titanium boron nitride (TiBN) powder, with titanium nitride (TiN) powder used as comparative reference. At an oxidation temperature of 600 °C, the predominant oxidation products of TiBN powders were composed mainly of rutile, with residual TiBN remaining. In contrast, the oxidation products of TiN powders at 700 °C comprised both anatase and rutile phases. The TiBN powder demonstrated a lower rutile transition temperature and enhanced antioxidant activity compared to TiN. As observed in HRTEM and HAADF-STEM images, amorphous regions are discernible between TiBN particles, and the Ti, N, and O elements in the oxidation products of TiBN demonstrate uniform distribution. The lattice constant of the rutile phase formed during the oxidation of TiBN significantly surpasses that observed in the oxidation of TiN, attributed to the solid solution of the boron (B) element. DSC curves unveil both endothermic and exothermic peaks within the temperature range of 500 °C–800 °C during the oxidation of TiBN powders, indicating the occurrence of B2O3 melting alongside TiBN oxidation. Weight loss beyond 1050 °C is attributed to the evaporation of B2O3. DSC and TG curves suggest that the oxidation behavior of TiBN powders closely resembles that of titanium diboride (TiB2) powders, yet their oxidation resistance surpasses that of TiB2 powders. The oxidation products resulting from TiBN oxidation exhibit a narrower band gap than P25 TiO2, promising higher stability and enhanced electrochemical performance. Our innovative approach in developing a unique TiO2 photoactive material system could pave the way for novel photocatalysis applications.