Stability Analysis of Complex Sodium Molybdate Na6Mo7O24·14H2O

Abstract

The study of potential compounds to be formed in nuclear reactors at a wide range of conditions is of importance for the nuclear industry. Sodium-Molybdenum-Oxygen ternary compounds require further study to understand their behaviour under normal and abnormal reactor operating conditions. Synthesis of Na₆Mo₇O₂₄·14H₂O has been achieved through the metathesis reaction in aqueous solution of ammonium heptamolybdate and sodium hydroxide. Preliminary results of the stability of the compound through Thermogravimetric Differential Scanning Calorimetry (TGA-DSC) suggest the decomposition of the molybdenum-oxygen cluster upon removal of structural water. Further investigation using Fourier-Transformed Infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy and Powder X-Ray Diffraction (PXRD) suggest the decomposition of the sample into the ternary compound Na₂Mo₂O₇ , which is deemed more stable.