Effect of carbon nanotubes on the synthesis process of nano-sized Mo powders

The carbon nanotubes (CNTs) and nano-sized molybdenum (Mo) compound powders were prepared by a sol–gel method followed by a hydrogen reduction process. The influence of processing parameters, including reduction temperature and time on the obtained products was studied. The structure and morphology of the obtained products were characterized by X-ray diffraction (XRD), scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and transmission electron microscopy (TEM). The XRD results showed that the CNTs–Mo powders were successfully synthesized at a reduction temperature of 750°C for 3h. Additionally, TEM results suggested a possible reaction mechanism [(NH4)2Mo2O7→MoO3→MoO2→Mo→(Mo, C) solid solution→Mo2C]. [Display omitted] •The carbon nanotubes (CNTs) and nano-sized molybdenum (Mo) compound powders were prepared.•Phase changes and microstructure of the obtained samples were studied.•The appropriate hydrogen reduction process of CNTs–Mo compound powders was at 750°C for 3h.•A reaction mechanism [(NH4)2Mo2O7→MoO3→MoO2→Mo→(Mo, C) solid solution→Mo2C] was suggested.