Molybdenum carbide synthesized by mechanical activation an inert medium

The paper presents a technique for the synthesis of molybdenum carbide using mechanical activation of carbon black, which was impregnated with a 20% aqueous solution of ammonium heptamolybdate (AHM) using the incipient wetness technique, in an inert medium at a 100 g acceleration of milling bodies for 30 min. The mechanically activated carbide-containing composites were calcined in an inert medium at 800 °C. The composites were examined by a range of physical methods. It was shown that the mechanically activated composite consists of molybdenum carbide, iron oxide and iron carbide (about 4–8% according to AES-ICP). The phase addition method was used to determine the quantitative content of Мо2С, which was equal to 7.2 wt% in the calcined sample. Catalytic testing of mechanically activated molybdenum carbide in the partial oxidation of methane showed that the carbide-containing catalyst provides a 48–60% conversion of methane and an 83–85% selectivity for the target product (CO). •Technique for the synthesis of carbide-containing composites by mechanical activation in inert atmosphere were developed.•Optimal parameters of mechanical activation were chosen: acceleration of milling bodies and MA time.•Quantitative estimation of molybdenum carbide content was made.•Catalytic testing of molybdenum carbide in the partial oxidation of methane was performed.