Process Optimization of the Preparation of Vanadium Nitride from Vanadium Pentoxide

Process optimization of vanadium nitride synthesis from vanadium pentoxide was attempted utilizing microwave carbothermal nitridation at atmospheric pressure using response surface methodology. The process variables that have significant influence on the quality of vanadium nitride such as the reaction temperature, reaction time and carbon addition ratio were investigated. The quadratic models were developed to evaluate the variables and optimize the process conditions, while the analysis of variance was utilized to identify the significant model parameters. The optimum conditions were identified to be a reaction temperature of $${1400^{\circ}{\rm C}}$$^1400∘C, reaction time of 240 min and carbon addition ratio of 0.29; the nitride and vanadium content in the vanadium nitride products was found to be 15.83 and 80.99 %, respectively. Experiments were repeated, and the results authenticated the optimized process conditions successfully.