The preparation of highly dispersed carbide phases using WO3/SiO2 as a precursor is strongly influenced by the morphology of the solids. W2C is the only phase formed if WO3 is in strong interaction with silica, otherwise WC is also present. Coupling effects during reduction/carburization of tungsten oxide are observed.
Colque, S., Grange, P., & Delmon, B. (1993). Preparation of Tungsten Carbides On Silica-evidence of Coupling Effects During Reduction Carburization of Tungsten-oxide. Solid State Ionics, 63-5, 122-127. https://doi.org/10.1016/0167-2738(93)90094-J (Original work published 1993)