Abstract
We report the first synthesis of titanium nitride (TiN) nanoparticles inside the nanoscale channels of mesoporous silica SBA-15. The TiN precursor, Ti(NMe 2 ) 4 in toluene, was incorporated into the methyl group-modified channels of the SBA-15 powder. The functionalization of pore surfaces with methyl groups generates hydrophobic surfaces that facilitate impregnation with Ti(NMe 2 ) 4 and minimizes reactions between the TiN precursor and the hydroxyl groups on the surface of SBA-15. Formation of TiN nanoparticles inside the mesoporous channels of SBA-15 was carried out by subsequent ammonolysis at high temperatures (700-750°C). The final products have been characterized by TEM and EELS images, powder XRD patterns, FTIR spectra, UV-vis absorption spectra, and nitrogen adsorption isotherm measurements to confirm the presence and distribution of TiN nanoparticles in the SBA-15 samples. © 2005 American Chemical Society.