Synthesis of carbon encapsulated nanocrystals of WP by reacting W(CO)6 with triphenylphosphine at elevated temperature under autogenic pressure

The thermal decomposition of a reaction mixture containing W(CO)(6) and PPh3 yielded carbon encapsulated nanocrystals of tungsten monophosphide (WP). This reaction was carried out using the RAPET technique (reaction under autogenic pressure at elevated temperature) at 850 degrees C under inert (N-2) atmosphere. Carbon nanostructures of similar to 100-300 nm encapsulated several 30 nm WP nanocrystallites, as evidenced by HRTEM (high resolution transmission electron microscopy). The reaction mechanism for the formation of WP encapsulated in carbon nanostructures is suggested on the basis of morphological, structural, and surface characterization data.