Effect of carbon nanotubes on the synthesis process of nano-sized Mo powders

• The carbon nanotubes (CNTs) and nano-sized molybdenum (Mo) compound powders were prepared.
• Phase changes and microstructure of the obtained samples were studied.
• The appropriate hydrogen reduction process of CNTs–Mo compound powders was at 750 °C for 3 h.
• A reaction mechanism [(NH4)2Mo2O7 → MoO3 → MoO2 → Mo → (Mo, C) solid solution → Mo2C] was suggested.

The carbon nanotubes (CNTs) and nano-sized molybdenum (Mo) compound powders were prepared by a sol–gel method followed by a hydrogen reduction process. The influence of processing parameters, including reduction temperature and time on the obtained products was studied. The structure and morphology of the obtained products were characterized by X-ray diffraction (XRD), scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and transmission electron microscopy (TEM). The XRD results showed that the CNTs–Mo powders were successfully synthesized at a reduction temperature of 750 °C for 3 h. Additionally, TEM results suggested a possible reaction mechanism [(NH4)2Mo2O7 → MoO3 → MoO2 → Mo → (Mo, C) solid solution → Mo2C].

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