Preparation and characterization of morph-genetic C/TiN composites from filter paper

Morph-genetic C/TiN composites with cablelike structure was prepared from filter paper template through the surface sol–gel process and carbothermal nitridation reaction. The resulting materials have a hierarchical structure originating from the morphology of cellulose paper. The C/TiN composites formed the core-shell microstructure, the core is graphitic carbon, and the shell is TiN nanocoating formed by carbothermal nitridation reduction of titania with the interfacial carbon in nitrogen atmosphere. Scanning electron microscopy, energy dispersive X-ray spectroscopy, X-ray diffraction, and transmission electron microscope were employed to characterize the structural morphology and phase compositions of the final products.