Thermal stability and decomposition products of a MoCl1.9 ± 0.1(C30 ± 1H30 ± 1) composite

Abstract

We have studied the thermal stability of a MoCl1.9 ± 0.1C30 ± 1H30 ± 1 composite in vacuum (10 Pa) at temperatures from 70 to 1150°C. Using chemical and physicochemical analysis data (gas liquid chromatography, MALDI TOF mass spectrometry, and X-ray diffraction), we have identified the nature of the decomposition products of the composite. The solid residue after the decomposition has been shown to consist predominantly of hexagonal molybdenum carbide Mo2C, with finely dispersed carbon as an impurity phase. Volatile components have been identified as a mixture of alkyl-substituted anthracenes (phenanthrenes) and polycyclic hydrocarbons with saturated and aromatic rings. These results were used to gain insight into the structure of the hydrocarbon matrix of the composite.