Morphology-controlled synthesis of α-MoO3 nanomaterials for ethanol oxidation

Abstract

α-MoO₃ nanobelts of about 8 nm in thickness, 60 nm in width and 0.7–7.5 μm in length were synthesized through a hydrothermal process. It was found that the pH value and the concentration of the surfactant (P123) played crucial roles in determining the crystal phase and the shape of the MoO₃ nanomaterials. Small-sized nanobelts were produced at a lower pH value and a suitable P123 concentration in the synthetic solution. Further increase in the surfactant concentration directed self-assembly of the nanobelts into hierarchical microflowers. The α-MoO₃ nanobelts showed a relatively higher activity but a lower selectivity toward acetaldehyde in ethanol oxidation than the microflowers, primarily due to the large exposure of the (010) planes.