Synthesis of a biomorphic molybdenum trioxide templated from paper

A biomorphic alpha-MoO3 ceramic was successfully derived from paper templates. By the infiltration of a Mo-contained solution into paper templates, followed by calcinations at 500 degrees C in air, the cellulose fibers of paper were converted into branches composing of orthorhombic alpha-MoO3 crystals with grain size ranging from 0.5 to 2 mu m. In the final product, the initial fibrous structure of the paper templates was retained. This simple biotemplate method provides a cost-effective and ecofriendly route to obtain advanced self-assembling biomorphic ceramics.