Synthesis, structure and properties of a new ternary interstitial nitride: Ni2W3N

Abstract

A new ternary interstitial nitride Ni2W3N has been synthesized by the ammonolysis of different oxide precursors and characterized by powder X-ray diffraction and electron microscopy. This nitride crystallizes in the cubic space group P4132 (213) [Ni2W3N, a=6.663(1) Å, Z=4] and is isostructural with Al2Mo3C. This compound belongs to the rare class of intermetallic ternary nitrides and carbides crystallizing with a filled β-Mn structure. Ni2W3N is not stable, it decomposes to a new compound NiW3N related to the distorted anti-perovskite, Ca3AsN structure.