Desulfurizer-Enhanced Carbothermal Reduction of MoS2to Synthesize Mo2C

Because of its high melting point, good wear resistance, and low reactivity, molybdenum carbide (Mo2C) is widely used as a coating material and as a reinforcement in metal ceramics in the high-temperature field. This paper proposes the approach of desulfurizer-enhanced carbothermal reduction of MoS(2)to prepare Mo2C. Based on the experimental results, it can be concluded that Fe2O3, CaO, and Na(2)CO(3)acting as desulfurizers can significantly reduce the reaction temperature from 1600 degrees C to 850-1200 degrees C. The sulfur from MoS(2)is transformed to CS(2)and S(2)when there is no desulfurizer, while, when Fe2O3, CaO or Na(2)CO(3)is added, FeS, CaS or Na2S is formed. Moreover, Na(2)CO(3)has obvious advantages over Fe(2)O(3)or CaO as a desulfurizer. By adding Na2CO3, there is a lower reaction temperature, and the by-product Na2S is much easier to separate from Mo2C by a simple water-leaching treatment.