Synthesis of bulk and supported molybdenum carbide by a single-step thermal carburization method

A facile and effective method for the preparation of bulk and alumina-supported molybdenum carbide is described. The synthesis of molybdenum carbide beta-Mo2C has been conducted by a single-step heat treatment of a mixed salt precursor containing molybdenum HMT (HMT = hexamethylenetetramine) complex and HMT in argon atmosphere up to 700 degrees C. The formation process of the carbide has been investigated. Alumina-supported nanocrystalline beta-Mo2C has also been successfully prepared with this method. The resultant catalyst exhibits good hydrodesulfurization (HDS) activity. It indicates that this simple method is an effective way to synthesize active carbide catalysts.