Molybdenum-tungsten blue nanoparticles as a precursor for ultrafine binary carbides

A promising method for the synthesis of ultrafine carbide particles is the sol–gel method using dispersions of molybdenum–tungsten nanoparticles. For further use, the main properties of molybdenum-blue nanoparticles, including the size, structure, and stability, under different conditions must be determined. The synthesis of dispersions of molybdenum–tungsten blue was carried out as a result of the reduction of molybdate and tungstate ions in the presence of hydrochloric acid. Ascorbic acid was chosen as a reducing agent and further acted as a carbon source. Dispersions and nanoparticles were investigated by transmission electronic microscopy (TEM), UV/vis and infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy, and dynamic light scattering (DLS).