General Synthesis Method for Bimetallic Carbides of Group VIIIA First Row Transition Metals with Molybdenum and Tungsten

We have established a general method for the synthesis of two different stoichiometries of bimetallic carbides for each of the first row transition metals (TM) of Group VIIIA with tungsten and molybdenum. A dispersion of bimetallic carbide particles in a network of carbon was achieved using excess carbon during the carbothermic reduction process. An investigation into the reduction process revealed bimetallic carbide formation proceeding via stepwise reduction of oxide precursors to metals. The low carbon content phase TM6(Mo/W)(6)C and the high carbon content phase TM3(Mo/W)(3)C form within a temperature window of 60 degrees C which emphasizes the need for careful control over reaction conditions in order to form the desired phase pure product.