Synthesis of molybdenum oxide by thermal decomposition of molybdenum acetylacetonate sol-gel

Synthesis of monophasic ultrafine molybdenum oxide at low temperatures by thermal decomposition of molybdenum acetylacetonate sol-gel is reported. The sol-gel is obtained through a solvent extraction technique from the organic solvent with the reduction in oxidation state of molybdenum. The thermal behaviour of the sol-gel is studied from the thermal analysis traces. The structural changes accompanying the thermal decomposition of the gel and the formation of monophasic molybdenum oxide is also reported with the help of X-ray diffraction and scanning electron microscopy techniques.