Synthesis of the nitrides of Group II elements

Abstract

A study has been made, using kinetic, chemical, and x-ray diffraction methods, of the reactions of magnesium and zinc with ammonia. It has been established that the kinetics of magnesium and zinc nitride formation in ammonia is described by pseudotopokinetic equations. The reaction of magnesium takes place in the topokinetic range, with penetration into the diffusional range, while the reaction of zinc with ammonia is controlled by topochemical processes. In both cases surface activation is observed. The mechanism of formation of the nitrides of Group II elements is examined, ans suitable process parameters for the synthesis of the nitrides of Group II metals are indicated. © 1980 Plenum Publishing Corporation.