Synthesis and characterization of porous Mo-W oxide nanostructures

The present study reports the synthesis method, microstructure characterization, and thermal stability of nanostructured porous mixed oxide (MoO3-WO3) at 550 and 900 degrees C of annealing. The material was synthesized using a hydrothermal method. The precursor was prepared by aqueous solution using ammonium heptamolibdate and ammonium metatungstate, with an atomic ratio of Mo/W = 1. The pH was adjusted to 5, and then the solution was transferred to a teflon-lined stainless steel autoclave and heated at 200 degrees C for 48 h. The resultant material was washed using deionized water. The specific surface area, morphology, composition, and microstructure before and after annealing were studied by N2 physisorption, scanning electron microscopy (SEM), analytical transmission electron microscopy (TEM), and X-Ray diffraction (XRD). The initial synthesized materials showed low crystallinity and high specific surface area around (141 m2/g). After thermal annealing the material showed higher crystallinity and diminished its specific surface area drastically.