Production of tantalum powders by the magnesium reduction of tantalates

Abstract

The dependence of the specific surface area of a tantalum powder on the conditions of reduction of magnesium tantalates MgTa2O6 and Mg4Ta2O9 by magnesium vapors is studied. This factor is shown to increase the powder specific surface area by several times. The powders have a nanoporous structure. Tantalum powders with a specific surface area of 65 m2/g (calculated particle size of 6 nm) are synthesized during the reduction of Mg4Ta2O9, and the main part of the surface is formed by mesopores <10 nm in diameter.