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 oC. Unlike the traditional methods, the electrolysis method employs the low-cost MoS2 feedstock and the boronization reaction happens at a low temperature of 700 oC. 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.

Molten‐Salt Electrochemical Preparation of Co2B/MoB2 Heterostructured Nanoclusters for Boosted pH‐Universal Hydrogen Evolution

“…That is perhaps the result of insufficient boron content for complete reaction of Co 3 O 4 . [ 31 ] Table S2 (Supporting Information) also reflects the decreased boron contents in Co 2 B/MoB 2 resulting from the inevitable sublimation loss of boron during the synthesis process. [ 24,32 ]…”

“…That is perhaps the result of insufficient boron content for complete reaction of Co 3 O 4 . [31] Table S2 (Supporting Information) also reflects the decreased boron contents in Co 2 B/MoB 2 resulting from the inevitable sublimation loss of boron during the synthesis process. [24,32] As shown in Figure 2b, the calculated work function of Co 2 B and MoB 2 is 4.82 and 4.95 eV, respectively, which implies the electrons are loss from Co 2 B and gained by MoB 2 after the formation of heterointerface.…”