Preparation of MoB2 Nanoparticles by Electrolysis of MoS2/B Mixture in Molten NaCl-KCl at 700 °C

Abstract

MoB2 is synthesized by the electrochemical reduction of solid MoS2/B mixture in molten NaCl-KCl at 700 °C. Unlike the traditional methods, the electrolysis method employs the low-cost MoS2 feedstock and the boronization reaction happens at a low temperature of 700 °C. The electrochemically induced boronization involves two steps: the electrochemical desulfurization to generate Mo and the reaction of Mo with B to form MoB2. The S2− released from the reduction of MoS2 transfers to the carbon anode and is oxidized to sulfur gas, realizing a green synthetic process. In addition, the influences of molar ratio of MoS2 and amorphous boron and electrolysis cell voltage on the phase composition and morphology of electrolytic products were studied. The obtained MoB2 particles possess a uniform nodular morphology. Overall, this paper provides a straightforward and green process to prepare MoB2 nanoparticles using economically affordable raw materials at low temperature, and this method can be extended to prepare other borides.