Synthesis of MoOx nano-arrays on anodic aluminum oxide template by thermal diffusion

Abstract

MoO2 nano-arrays were simply prepared by reduction of thermally diffused MoO3 on anodic aluminum oxide (AAO) template. The structure and morphology of the nano-arrays were studied by XRD, SEM, TEM and HRTEM. The results showed that, after hydrogenation of the evaporates under 600°C in H2/N2 mixture, single crystalline MoO2 nanotubes/nanowires were produced on 70 nm AAO template, while on 50 nm AAO template yielded was the piling-up of MoO2 nanocrystallites in nanotubes. Addition of ethanol into the powdered MoO3 precursors greatly improved the morphology of the nanowires. Further reduction of MoO 2 at above 650°C in H2 led to the production of Mo nanotube arrays.