Thermodynamic analysis of Mo2C powder synthesis by chemical vapor reaction method

Thermodynamic analysis was carried out to determine the processing conditions for the synthesis Of Mo2C powders by Chemical Vapor Reaction (CVR) method using MoO3-CH4-H-2-N-2 and MOCl5-CH4-H-2-N-2 gaseous mixtures. Equilibrium solid stability diagrams were produced as a function of temperature and MoO3/(MoO3+CH4) or MoCl5/(MoCl5+CH4) reactant gas ratio. The diagrams show that Mo2C powders are synthesized at narrow range of experimental variables. Mo powder is produced at high yields when the MoO3-CH4-H-2 gases are used. Equilibrium gas phase composition and solid yields were also determined. The results of the calculations were compared with those reported in the literature.