Transition from 2D to 3D production of tantalum nitride by reactive powder bed fusion

Tantalum nitride is an indispensable material for various technological applications due to its exceptional mechanical, thermal, electrical and biological properties. In the literature, tantalum nitride has so far mainly been produced in the form of thin coatings, which has limited its use in bulk shapes. This research represents a breakthrough advance in the simultaneous synthesis and consolidation of tantalum nitride and reports the successful fabrication of bulky shapes using laser powder bed fusion (LPBF) technology. The process involves the controlled interaction of tantalum powders with nitrogen within the LPBF chamber, resulting in the formation of tantalum nitride. The study demonstrates the feasibility of generating bulky tantalum nitride samples and opens up promising possibilities for practical applications in various industries such as implantology, electronics and solar water splitting. This innovative approach not only expands the application range of tantalum nitride, but also emphasizes the potential of additive manufacturing techniques in advancing materials synthesis and design.