Growth mechanism and PL properties of beta-sialon nanobeltsanowires synthesized by a process of aluminothermic reduction nitridation of zircon

摘要

Large scale beta-sialon nanobeltsanowires and ZrN-sialon composite powders were prepared via aluminothermic reduction nitridation under different conditions with flowing N-2. The phase composition, morphology, and microstructure of the as-prepared products were characterized by X-ray diffraction (XRD), field emission scanning electron microscopy (FESEM), transmission electron microscopy (TEM/HRTEM), Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy (FT-IR) and energy dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDS). The experiment results show that the phase compositions and the ratio of nanostructures to powder can be tailored by the experimental conditions. The formation of beta-sialon nanostructures was dominated by a vapor-solid (VS) mechanism. The photoluminescence spectrum of the beta-sialon nanostructures exhibits a special emission peak located in the violet-blue spectral range, making possible potential applications in blue-light emitting diodes and display devices. This process also provided a feasible way to prepare reinforcing beta-sialon nanostructures in situ within the ZrN-sialon composite powders.