The effect of ultrasound irradiation on polycrystalline MoO3

Abstract

The effect of ultrasound irradiation on polycrystalline molybdenum trioxide suspended in n-decane has been investigated. The changes in the physicochemical properties of MoO₃ have been investigated using techniques such as powder X-ray diffraction, UV–VIS and IR spectroscopies, BET surface area measurements, scanning electron microscopy, and EPR. Evidence for the formation of Mo(V) sites and shear defects has been presented. The physicochemical changes of MoO₃ due to ultrasound irradiation have been attributed to the formation of radicals and also the mechanical effects that can be created by ultrasound, such as shear forces, micro-jets, and shock-waves. The mechanical effects are the results of the sonochemical cavity collapse onto molybdenum trioxide particles.