Holmium nitride explained

Holmium nitride is a binary inorganic compound of holmium and nitrogen with the chemical formula .^{[1] [2] [3] [4]}

Synthesis

To produce holmium nitride nanoparticles, a plasma arc discharge technique can be employed.

In this process, holmium granules are placed in a copper crucible, which acts as the anode, while a tungsten cathode is used. Before starting, the furnace is evacuated, and this step is repeated twice to eliminate most of the air. Afterward, the furnace is filled with argon and nitrogen gas to a partial pressure of 4 kPa and a mixture ratio of 80% nitrogen to 20% argon.

Once the furnace is prepared, a current of ~220 A is applied along ~50 V, creating an arc plasma that generates holmium vapor. The holmium vapor then continues to react with the nitrogen gas in the surrounding environment, resulting in the formation of holmium nitride nanoparticles.^[5]

2Ho (g) + N_2 (g) -> 2HoN (s)

Physical properties

The compound forms crystals of cubic system.

Notes and References

1. Web site: Holmium Nitride . . 30 January 2024 . en.
2. Web site: WebElements Periodic Table » Holmium » holmium nitride . webelements.com . 30 January 2024.
3. Book: Toxic Substances Control Act (TSCA) Chemical Substance Inventory. Cumulative Supplement to the Initial Inventory: User Guide and Indices . 1980 . U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, Office of Toxic Substances . 175 . 30 January 2024 . en.
4. Book: Perry . Dale L. . Handbook of Inorganic Compounds . 19 April 2016 . . 978-1-4398-1462-8 . 193 . 30 January 2024 . en.
5. Web site: Magnetocaloric properties of TbN, DyN and HoN nanopowders prepared by the plasma arc discharge method .