Hafnium Carbide (HfC) Nanoparticles

Hafnium carbide (HfC) nanoparticles are known as the most refractory materials with a melting point over 3800°C, higher than tungsten and graphite. This metallic nanostructure agent exhibits unique properties like low work function, high mechanical strength, high resistance against wear, low resistance against electricity and high chemical stability with the latter making them a promising green chemistry material. The bulky hafnium carbide has broad applications in nuclear fusion reactors and rocket engines, structural loads, bearing shock, temperature oxidation corrosion in environments with extreme conditions. Nanostructured hafnium carbide is used as coatings on electrochemically etched tips. One dimensional hafnium carbide nanostructures as nanowire have large specific surface area, practically low dislocation density and high aspect ratio. Composites based on hafnium carbide nanoparticles and nanowires can remarkably improve in mechanical strength compared to their bulky form. In addition, they can be employed to manufacture electric-field electron emitters and nanoelectrodes. The chemical vapor deposition is a common method to obtain hafnium carbide nanoparticles.