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.