Abstract
Nanosized niobium oxide powders were synthesized with a yield of approximately 87% using a simple and facile soft-chemical process. Niobium pentachloride (Nb2Cl5) was used as the precursor which was first converted into niobium ethoxide and then hydrolysed with water to synthesize niobia nanopowder. The synthesized powder was calcined at 500 degrees C for phase conversion to end-centered monoclinic as confirmed by diffraction studies and elemental analysis with a chemical composition in the ratio of Nb:O as 1:2.5. The molecular framework of Nb-O-Nb stretching and asymmetric frequency was confirmed by FT-IR, UV-visible and Raman spectroscopic studies. The size, shape and surface morphology of the powders were observed by SEM and TEM which indicated particle sizes of approximately 20 nm. The surface area of 20 m2/g, pore volume of 0.0538 cm2/g and the average pore size of 6.5 nm2 for the calcined sample were obtained with the help of nitrogen adsorption/desorption method using the Barrett-Joyner-Halenda (BJH) method which indicates that the synthesized powder can be used for catalysis and other surface sensitive applications.
Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a callDisclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.
