Preparation of Niobium (III) Carbide from Coke: A Source of Inspiration

How can niobium (III) carbide be prepared from coke?

What is the process involved in producing niobium (III) carbide from coke, and how much can be obtained from a specific amount of coke containing a certain percentage of carbon?

Answer

Approximately 106.8 kilograms of niobium (III) carbide can be prepared from 252 kilograms of coke that is 67.8% carbon.

When it comes to the preparation of niobium (III) carbide from coke, a precise process is followed to ensure the efficient conversion of raw materials into the desired product. To make this transformation possible, a mixture of aluminium and carbon is heated at 1000 °C, resulting in the formation of Nb4C3 (niobium (III) carbide).

To determine the amount of niobium (III) carbide that can be obtained from a specific quantity of coke with a known carbon content, the first step involves calculating the mass of carbon present in the coke. In this case, the coke contains 67.8% carbon, which translates to 170.856 kilograms of carbon in 252 kilograms of coke.

By understanding the stoichiometric ratio between carbon and niobium (III) carbide as indicated in the balanced chemical equation, it becomes possible to calculate the amount of niobium (III) carbide that can be produced. Through the utilization of molar masses and conversion factors, the final yield is determined to be approximately 106.8 kilograms.

This process not only showcases the scientific principles involved in the preparation of materials but also highlights the importance of precision and calculation in achieving desired outcomes. The ability to transform raw materials into valuable products such as niobium (III) carbide serves as a testament to the ingenuity and innovation within the field of materials science.