Synthesis of molybdenum nanoparticle by in situ γ-radiation

This paper reports the synthesis of various types of molybdenum nanoparticles using in-situ minuscule amount of radioactivity. The radioisotope (99)Mo was introduced into the solution of (i) 10(-5)M ammonium molybdate and (ii) mixture of 10(-5)M ammonium molybdate and anionic surfactant sodiumdodecyl sulphate (SDS). The molybdate ions were changed to nanoparticles due to radiolysis initiated by γ-irradiation in both the cases. The transmission electron microscopic images showed 4-15 nm size nanoparticles with spherical shape in ammonium molybdate solution. However, the aggregation of nanoparticles could not be avoided in this case. The addition of SDS to the solution helped to obtain 10-60 nm size of spherical molybdenum nanoparticle and 2-10nm wire like molybdenum nanoparticle. Interpretation of spectral data advocates that the molybdenum nanoparticles might be in MoO(3) form.