A simple synthesis route and characterisation of Co(3)Mo(3)C.

A simple, one-step thermal decomposition method for the preparation of Co(3)Mo(3)C is reported in this paper. In this novel synthesis route, a mixed-salt precursor, containing Co(CH(3)COO)(2) x 4H(2)O, (HMT)(2)(NH(4))(4)Mo(7)O(24) x 2H(2)O (HMT = hexamethylenetetramine), and excess HMT is directly decomposed to the bimetallic carbide under flowing argon at 1023 K. The role of HMT in the preparation process has been investigated and a detailed reaction mechanism is proposed based on the experimental results. The bimetallic carbide is characterised by X-ray diffraction, scanning electron microscopy, high-resolution transmission electron microscopy, BET surface area measurement and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy. Furthermore, the activity of the as-prepared Co(3)Mo(3)C is evaluated by a 3-methylpyridine hydrodenitrogenation (HDN) reaction. The catalyst produced from this method provides better reactivity compared to the Co(3)Mo(3)C catalyst prepared by the conventional temperature-programmed reduction method.