A straightforward α-MoO3 microwave synthesis for the potential development of applications with a solution-processed layered semiconductor
Year: 2025
Type: article
Abstract: Molybdenum trioxide (MoO3) has been extensively studied for use in semiconductor devices due to its structural, morphological, and optical properties. In this context, several liquid-phase methods have been reported for synthesizing MoO3, with microwave (MW) synthesis offering a fast, simple, and sustainable approach. So far, the described methods have involved processing with strong acids, multiple synthesis steps, the use of low-efficiency solvents, or simply using microwave energy without significant contribution during synthesis. Today, challenges in producing MoO3 also include developing environmentally friendly processes that reduce reaction time and energy consumption. In this work, MoO3 was synthesized in a MW reactor from the dispersion of metallic molybdenum powder in a blend of ethanol and hydrogen peroxide, irradiated for 5 min at 150 °C. This was followed by thermal annealing at 600 °C, with a heating rate of 10 °C min−1. The characterization techniques of X-ray diffraction, FTIR, SEM, UV–vis spectroscopy, and XPS confirmed the synthesis of orthorhombic α-phase MoO3 layered flakes (mean thickness ∼197 nm, mean diameter ∼877 nm), molybdenum-oxygen vibrational modes in the 500–1,000 cm−1 range, an optical band gap of 3.08 eV was determined from Tauc analysis, and the exclusive presence of Mo6+ oxidation state and bonded oxygen in the XPS spectrum. These results demonstrate a rapid, low-energy liquid-phase approach to functional α-MoO3 layered flakes, offering a more sustainable synthesis pathway suitable for the potential development of printed and flexible applications through this 2D material.
Source: Physica Scripta
Authors: Cecilio Santos-Hernandez, Salvador Ivan Garduño, Maria Isabel Reyes-Valderrama, Norberto Hernandez-Como, Maria del Pilar Gutierrez-Amador, Karina Aleman-Ayala, Yasuhiro Matsumoto
Language: English
Subfield: Polymers and Plastics
Field: Materials Science
Domain: Physical Sciences
Open Access status: hybrid
Estimated APC paid: $2,400
OpenAlex ID: W4414636459