Increased surface area of unsupported Mo2C catalyst by alkali-treatment

A 50% increase in the surface area of an unsupported Mo2C catalyst, prepared by temperature-programmed reduction of a MoO3 precursor using CH4/H2, is reported following treatment in 5 M NaOH at 363 K for 2–12 h. The treated catalyst showed an increase in pores of size <3 nm and an increase in activity for the dehydrogenation of 1,2,3,4-tetrahydrocarbazole and the hydrogenation of CO, compared to the un-treated Mo2C.