Synthesis and applications of molybdenum (IV) oxide

Molybdenum dioxide (MoO₂) is a transition metal oxide with unusual metal-like electrical conductivity and high catalytic activity toward reforming hydrocarbons. This review covers the synthesis techniques used to fabricate MoO₂ in a variety of morphologies and particle sizes. Processing from molybdenum ore and reduction from MoO₃ are also covered, with emphasis on reduction mechanisms and kinetic considerations. Discussions of various solution-based and gas phase synthesis techniques shed light on strategies to achieve various unique morphologies, which leads into a brief discussion of nanoscale MoO₂. Nanoscale MoO₂ is of interest for important technological applications including catalysts for partial oxidation of hydrocarbons, solid oxide fuel cell anodes, and high-capacity reversible lithium ion battery anodes.