Topochemical synthesis of one-dimensional Mo2C nanobelts

Due to its distinctive properties and promising applications, one-dimensional Mo2C has received increasing attention in recent years. In this paper, the strategy of two-step topochemical synthesizing one-dimensional Mo2C nanobelts with one-dimensional MoO3 nanobelts as precusor was first proposed. The phase composition, morphology, structure, chemical states, specific surface area and pore size distribution of the synthesized Mo2C were characterized. Firstly, one-dimensional MoO3 nanobelts were synthesized via hydrothermal route. Secondly, Mo2N nanobelts were synthesized by the reduction and nitriding reaction of MoO3 nanobelts via NH3. Finally, one-dimensional Mo2C nanobelts with a width of 100-500 nm and a length of several tens of micrometers were successfully prepared after carbonization of one-dimensional Mo2N nanobelts under a 5%CH4/H-2 gas mixture flow at 700 degrees C for 2 h. Additionally, the prepared one-dimensional Mo2C nanobelts has abundant mesopores on its surface and has a specific surface area of 48.7 m(2)/g.