A simple synthesis route and characterisation of Co3Mo3C

Abstract

A simple, one-step thermal decomposition method for the preparation of Co₃Mo₃C is reported in this paper. In this novel synthesis route, a mixed-salt precursor, containing Co(CH₃COO)₂·4H₂O, (HMT)₂(NH₄)₄Mo₇O₂₄·2H₂O (HMT = hexamethylenetetramine), and excess HMT is directly decomposed to the bimetallic carbide under flowing argon at 1023 K. The role of HMT in the preparation process has been investigated and a detailed reaction mechanism is proposed based on the experimental results. The bimetallic carbide is characterised by X-ray diffraction, scanning electron microscopy, high-resolution transmission electron microscopy, BET surface area measurement and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy. Furthermore, the activity of the as-prepared Co₃Mo₃C is evaluated by a 3-methylpyridine hydrodenitrogenation (HDN) reaction. The catalyst produced from this method provides better reactivity compared to the Co₃Mo₃C catalyst prepared by the conventional temperature-programmed reduction method.