Facile synthesis of MgCo2O4 nanosheets and its catalysis effect on the decomposition of ammonium perchlorate

Abstract

The catalysis effects of MgCo2O4 nanosheets on the thermal decomposition of ammonium perchlorate (AP) were investigated. The MgCo2O4 nanosheets were synthesized with a facile free-template hydrothermal method. The chemical structure and micromorphology of MgCo2O4 nanosheets were characterized. Moreover, the catalysis thermal decomposition properties of AP using composite metal oxides MgCo2O4 nanosheets with different amounts (1 wt%, 3 wt%, and 5 wt%) as catalysts were investigated. The results showed that the reducing decomposition temperature of AP was 155.9 °C from 431 °C to 275.1 °C with 5 wt% MgCo2O4 added. The heat release of AP was increased by 907 J/g at least. In addition, the catalysis thermal decomposition mechanism of AP with the existence of MgCo2O4 nanosheets was explained. With the increasing temperature, the accumulated electrons (e–) and holes (h+) excited were activated at the surface of MgCo2O4 nanosheets, which accelerated H transfer from H atom of NH4+ to O atom of ClO4– and boosted AP decomposition.