Solid state synthesis of tungsten carbide nanorods and nanoplatelets by a single-step pyrolysis

We report a simple and efficient single-step synthesis of tungsten carbide nanorods and nanoplatelets by direct pyrolysis of a hybrid composite material of 12-tungstophosphoric acid and hexadecyltrimethylammonium bromide in a closed Swagelok cell at 1000°C. The product was characterized by XRD, TGA, SEM, TEM, XPS, and CV. The diameter of the nanorods is 30-50 nm, and the length varies from 200 to 500 nm. The size of the platelets is around 55 nm. The WC exhibits an interesting structural surface with kinks, steps, and terraces which is evidenced by HRTEM studies.