I would like to etch Molybdenum wires uniformly from 80 um to 50 um in a non-aggressive solution
There are no non-aggressive chemicals that can dissolve molybdenum. However, you can use the weak resistance to oxidation of molybdenum for this:
when the molybdenum wire is evenly heated in air at approx. 600°C, the molybdenum surface is oxidized with the formation of powdery MoO3. After wiping (wet rag) you have molybdenum wire with a reduced diameter. You can get the diameter you need by adjusting the oxidation time.
Just one comment: MoO3 is potentially carcinogen, so be sure not to inhale the dust of it. But I guess wearing a mask is not an unusual thing anymore these days.
Vadim Verlotski Many thanks for your answer.
I'm not sure if I can find an adjustable heat source in this range. Do you have any other suggestions for plan B? I also found a lot of chemical-based solutions available; however, I would like to consider the one that you suggested.
You can only dissolve molybdenum in nitric acid. All reducing acids including HCl do not react with molybdenum.
You can also try electrochemically. You don't need aggressive acids for this, just saline solution. Wire must be tied coaxially as an anode in a tubular cathode (cathode material doesn't matter). With an adjustable 8-10 V DC source you get an even molybdenum removal.
Dear Ali Anil Demircali thank you for sharing this interesting technical question on RG. Quite often it helps checking the "Publications" and "Questions" sections of RG for potentially useful articles or closely related technical questions. For example, please have a look at the answers given to the following related question which has been asked earlier on RG:
What shall be the proper etchant for molybdenum?
https://www.researchgate.net/post/What_shall_be_the_proper_etchant_for_molybdenum
Especially the answer provided by Pierluigi Traverso appears to be suitable to answer your question.
Good luck with your work!
You may want to check:
Article Mechanism and Kinetics of Molybdenum Films Etching in Peroxi...
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