Desulfurizer-Enhanced Carbothermal Reduction of MoS2 to Synthesize Mo2C

Because of its high melting point, good wear resistance, and low reactivity, molybdenum carbide (Mo2C) is widely used as a coating material and as a reinforcement in metal ceramics in the high-temperature field. This paper proposes the approach of desulfurizer-enhanced carbothermal reduction of MoS2 to prepare Mo2C. Based on the experimental results, it can be concluded that Fe2O3, CaO, and Na2CO3 acting as desulfurizers can significantly reduce the reaction temperature from 1600°C to 850–1200°C. The sulfur from MoS2 is transformed to CS2 and S2 when there is no desulfurizer, while, when Fe2O3, CaO or Na2CO3 is added, FeS, CaS or Na2S is formed. Moreover, Na2CO3 has obvious advantages over Fe2O3 or CaO as a desulfurizer. By adding Na2CO3, there is a lower reaction temperature, and the by-product Na2S is much easier to separate from Mo2C by a simple water-leaching treatment.