Extraction of Molybdenum Trioxide from Molybdenum Calcine through Vacuum Decomposition and Volatilization

Abstract

Molybdenum calcine serves as a critical intermediate in molybdenum metallurgy and primary raw material used to produce high-purity molybdenum trioxide. However, the current processes for producing molybdenum trioxide from low-grade molybdenum calcine are hindered by high separation costs, poor adaptability to raw materials, and excessive wastewater discharge. In this study, direct separation of molybdenum trioxide from low-grade molybdenum calcine by vacuum decomposition and volatilization was proposed. In this process, molybdenum trioxide was explored by volatilization and molybdate decomposition. The heating conditions in vacuum were also investigated on the extraction rate and the purity of molybdenum trioxide. High-purity (>99%) MoO₃ was obtained through one-step vacuum volatilization. After further vacuum purification, the purity of molybdenum trioxide increased to 99.975%. The method provides a reference for the efficient extraction of molybdenum trioxide from low-grade molybdenum calcine.