Simple method to prepare new structure of metastable molybdenum (VI) oxide

A new type of metastable MoO3 (confirmed with Raman spectroscopy, TG-DTA and XRD) was successfully synthesized from MoO2Cl2 solution derived from H2MoO4 powder and concentrated HCl solution. This new type of MoO3 was stable up to 435 °C and prepared with a simple method. XRD patterns revealed that the calcination process from as-prepared material to MoO3 was a topotactic transformation.

► We report the formation of a new metastable MoO3.
► This new phase was prepared with a simple method.
► It can be named as triclinic MoO3.