A comprehensive insight into the parameters that influence the synthesis of Ag2MoO4 semiconductors via experimental design

This study characterized and statistically evaluated the influence of three parameters that potentially affect the synthesis of Ag2MoO4, which have not previously been investigated in conjunction. The study focused on the concentration of a dispersant (polyvinylpyrrolidone, PVP, mmol−1), aging time (h), and pH to evaluate the effects of these factors on the physio-chemical properties of the as-produced semiconductors. Particularly, this study aims to better understand the synthesis of metastable α-Ag2MoO4, which is poorly studied, and explore how minor modifications to the chosen parameters, under mild conditions, can impact its formation. To optimize the production of the α-phase, eleven Ag2MoO4 catalysts were produced by complete factorial experimental design, varying the aforementioned parameters. XRD results revealed that only two samples presented crystalline α-Ag2MoO4 and were significantly influenced by PVP concentration, pH, and their interaction. Additionally, prolonged aging favored an α to β transformation, reducing α content from 68 to 8