Journal of the American Ceramic Society, Vol.95, No.11, 3370-3373, 2012
Porous Tungsten Carbide Nanoplates Derived from Tungsten Trioxide Nanoplates
Porous WC nanoplates (PWCPs) were synthesized by a nitridization-carbonization process using WO3 nanoplates as the precursor for morphological control. The WO3 nanoplates were derived from tungstate-based inorganic-organic hybrid belts. The synthesis of PWCPs involved a nitridization reaction of WO3 nanoplates in NH3 at 650 degrees C for 2 h, followed by a carbonization reaction in a CO/CO2 (10:1, v/v) mixture at 750 degrees C for 10 h. The as-obtained product is a pure hexagonal WC phase with a plate-like and porous morphology. The aggregates of the PWCPs with dimensions of (100-300) x (10-30) nm form a house-of-card structure with open channels and high-specific surface areas, and can act as potential supports of electrocatalysts for high-performance fuel cells.