A α-C₃N₄ Phase Synthesized by Shock Wave Compression

A α-C₃N₄ phase has been synthesized by shock loading on the mixtures of dicyandiamide (C₂N₄H₄) precursor and nickel powder using a double cylindrical explosive compaction set-up. The component,structure and shape of the recovered samples were analyzed with Raman, Infrared spectra (IR) and transmission electron microscope (TEM). For the synthesis of α-C₃N₄ using the shock compaction, the pressure and temperature are two important factors, besides which the quenching rate plays a dominant role. The shock compression process may provide a novel synthesis route for various C-N phases from appropriate organic materials.