a-MoO3 nanoplates have been prepared through thermal decomposition of two novel organometallic
molybdenum complexes, as new solid precursors, at 500 C for 2 h. The two molybdenum complexes
([(Mo2(bipy)(CO)n(DQ)m]; where, DQ = quinoxaline-2,3-dione; n = 2 or 4, m = 2 or 3) were synthesized
by reaction of Mo(CO)6, and DQ in presence of 2,20-bipyridine in THF solvent at reflux temperature under
atmospheric or reduced pressure. Interestingly, the crystallite size of the produced MoO3 nanoplates
products (80.7 and 114 nm) depended on the organic moiety content of the ignited solid precursor.
The as-prepared products were characterized by means of elemental analysis, Fourier transform infrared
spectroscopy (FT-IR), UV–Vis spectroscopy, thermal analysis (TGA), X-ray powder diffraction (XRD), Field
emission electron microscopy (FESEM) and mass spectroscopy. The produced MoO3 nanoplates showed
semiconducting properties by exhibiting optical band gab energy of 3.0 or 3.25 eV.