Effects of alkali metal ions on the thermal decomposition of ammonium heptamolybdate tetrahydrate

The thermal decomposition of pure ammonium heptamolybdate tetrahydrate (AHMT), and doped with Li⁺, Na⁺ and K⁺ ions was investigated using thermogravimetry, differential thermal analysis, infrared and X-ray diffraction techniques. Results obtained revealed that the decomposition of AHMT proceeded in three decomposition stages in which both NH₃ and H₂O were released in all stages. The presence of 0.5 mol % alkali metal ions enhances the formation of the intermediateb (NH₄)₂MO₇O₂₂·2H₂O while the decomposition of this intermediate into MoO₃ is slightly affected in the presence of all dopant concentrations used. The infrared absorption spectra of the thermal products of AHMT treated with 10 mol% alkali metal ions (AMI) at 350°C indicated a reduction of some Mo⁶⁺ ions. By heating of AHMT above 500°C in presence of 5 or 10 mol % of AMI, a solid-solid interaction between alkali metal oxides and MoO₃ giving rise to well crystallized alkali metal molybdates. finally the activation energies accompanied various decomposition stages were calculated.