Molecular precursor route to bulk and silica-supported Nb2Mo3O14 using water-soluble oxo-oxalato complexes

The catalytically relevant Nb2Mo3O14 phase has been prepared in bulk and silica-supported forms via the so-called "multiple molecular precursors method" from water-soluble oxo-oxalato complexes of Nb and Mo, (NH4)3[NbO(ox)3].H2O, and (NH4)2[MoO3(ox)].H2O. Thermal treatment of the mixed Nb-Mo precursor has been optimized for the formation of the pure Nb2Mo3O14 phase, either as bulk oxide or a silica-supported phase with high specific surface area. A characterization of the bulk phase obtained via the conventional ceramic route has also been carried out and a comparison has been made with the precursors route. According to this route, the Nb2Mo3O14 phase is shown to be formed in a pure form at 700 degrees C (i.e., 100 degrees C below the lowest temperature reported so far for the formation of the phase by the ceramic method). The supported samples have appreciable specific surface areas of 60-70 m(2) g(-1), much larger than those reached in the previous attempts under vacuum in sealed vials. The SEM and EDX analyses reveal a high dispersion of the desired phase on the silica support.