SYNTHESIS AND CHARACTERIZATION OF NIOBIUM NANOPARTICLES: A COMPARATIVE STUDY OF TWO METHODS

Niobium-based nanoparticles have gained significant attention due to their unique physicochemical properties and potential applications in various fields. In this study, two different synthesis routes were employed to prepare niobium nanoparticles: (1) ammonium niobate(V) oxalate hydrate dissolved in distilled water, with pH adjusted to 7 and 9 using aqueous ammonia and precipitation induced by hydrogen peroxide, and (2) niobium pentoxide dissolved in hydrofluoric acid and deionized water, followed by pH tuning between 7 and 9. The synthesized nanoparticles were washed with distilled water and ethanol, dried at 100°C for 2–3 hours, and calcined at 450°C for 1–2 hours. A comparative characterization of the resulting samples was conducted using X-ray diffraction (XRD), Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), transmission electron microscopy (TEM), energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDX), and dynamic light scattering (DLS). The study aims to evaluate the influence of precursor selection, pH variation, and processing conditions on particle morphology, crystallinity, and elemental composition. The findings provide insights into the structural and chemical differences between the two synthesis routes, contributing to the optimization of niobium nanoparticle production for various technological applications.