Published online by Cambridge University Press: 25 February 2011
The electrochemical preparation of polymeric precursors and the subsequent formation of non-oxide powders, ceramics and coatings is described. The metals were anodically dissolved in an electrolyte consisting of a primary organic amine, acetonitrile as a solvent, and a tetraalkylammonium salt. This procedure led to the formation of polymeric precursor solutions. Removal of the excess organic compounds resulted in the formation of polymeric amorphous solids. Pyrolysis was carried out at temperatures in the range of 750 to 1100°C. In an atmosphere of ammonia, metal nitrides were formed, while calcination under nitrogen or argon led to carbonitrides or to carbides, depending on temperature and the metal used. Up to now, this route has been applied to Al, Ti, Zr, Cr, Ta, Mg, Ca and Y, and it is suppossed, that this route is applicable to the formation of many metal carbides and nearly all metal nitrides relevant for materials science.