Effects of amorphous structure on the catalytic properties of NiO in the thermal decomposition of typical energy-containing materials

Abstract

The Nickel oxide (NiO) exhibited good catalytic performance for the thermal decomposition of AP but has limited catalytic activity for RDX and HMX. By adjusting the amorphous state, the number of active sites on the surface of NiO can be increased, thereby enhancing its catalytic activity. In this study, the amorphous NiO (Ra-NiO) with high specific surface area was successfully synthesized and characterized systemically. The Ra-NiO exhibited superior catalytic properties for the thermal decomposition of AP, HMX and RDX. Compared with the commercial γ-NiO, the Ra-NiO decreased the peak decomposition temperature of the HMX by 14.6 °C as well as the activation energy by 213.5 kJ·mol^-1. Furthermore, the initial decomposition temperature is decreased by 68.8°C and the heat release is increased by 34.5 % (752.4 J·g^-1). These results underscore the substantial advantages of amorphous modulation in enhancing the catalytic activity of catalysts.