Continuous synthesis of molybdenum oxide microspheres by ultrasonic spray pyrolysis

Molybdenum oxides microspheres with prominent MoO₂ phase were produced successfully by ultrasonic spray pyrolysis under reducing conditions. Ethylene glycol addition in the precursor solution was found to promote complete truncation of regular molybdenum oxides particle geometry into rectified spherical micro particles during spray pyrolysis. It also removed the MoO₃ and Mo₄O₁₁ phases, while maintaining nanocrystalline MoO₂ phase structure. However, addition of EG reduced the surface area and increased the pore size rather significantly, which might adversely affect the catalytic performance of MoO₂ microspheres. Catalytic activity of the product molybdenum oxides was investigated for partial oxidation of n-dodecane.