Abstract
Ti has received considerable attention for aerospace, vehicle, and semiconductor industry applications because of its acid-resistant nature, low density, and high mechanical strength. A common precursor used for preparing Ti materials is $TiCl_4$. To prepare high-purity $TiCl_4$, a process based on the removal of $VOCl_3$ has been widely applied. However, $VOCl_3$ removal by distillation and condensation is difficult because of the similar physical properties of $TiCl_4$ and $VOCl_3$. To circumvent this problem, in this study, we have developed a process for $VOCl_3$ removal using Cu powder and mineral oil as purifying agents. The effects of reaction time and temperature, and ratio of purifying agents on the $VOCl_3$ removal efficiency are investigated by chemical and structural measurements. Clear $TiCl_4$ is obtained after the removal of $VOCl_3$. Notably, complete removal of $VOCl_3$ is achieved with 2.0 wt% of mineral oil. Moreover, the refined $TiCl_4$ is used as a precursor for the synthesis of Ti powder. Ti powder is fabricated by a thermal reduction process at $1,100^{\circ}C$ using an $H_2-Ar$ gas mixture. The average size of the Ti powder particles is in the range of $1-3{\mu}m$.
