Abstract: Cubic CrN nanoparticles with the size less than 10 nm were synthesized through direct reaction of metal Cr with N2 by arc discharge plasma method. The products synthesized under different nitrogen gas pressure were characterized by X-ray diffraction (XRD), transmission electron microscope (TEM) and Fourier transform infrared spectra (FT-IR). The effect of N₂ pressure and accession of NH₃ on the formation of cubic phase CrN were studied. The results indicate that it is beneficial for the convesion of Cr to CrN under relative low N2 pressure (5~20kPa), namely more N atoms can diffuse into Cr lattice. Moreover, the accession of active nitrogen resource (NH3) weakens the nitridation of Cr.

Key words: arc discharge plasma method, CrN, nanocrystals powders