The catalytic effect of nano Fe, Co, Ni, Cu and Zn oxides on the thermal decomposition of ammonium perchlorate-based molecular perovskite (DAP-4)

Abstract

Energetic molecular perovskites are unique high-energy systems with good thermal stability and energetic parameters. For practical applications in explosives and propellant formulations, the ignition delay of these systems has to be reduced by using suitable catalysts. In this study, 1,4-diazabicyclo [2.2.2] octane-1,4-diium ammonium triperchlorate (DAP-4) molecular perovskite was synthesized by molecular assembly strategy and nano metal oxides of Fe, Co, Ni, Cu and Zn were synthesized by the co-precipitation method. The effect of these metal oxides on the thermal decomposition of DAP-4 was studied. X-ray diffraction, Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy and field emission scanning electron microscopy were employed to understand the structure and morphology of DAP-4 and nano metal oxides. The catalytic activity of the metal oxides on the thermal decomposition of DAP-4 was evaluated using thermogravimetry-differential scanning calorimetry. Among the different nano metal oxides, nano CuO showed the best catalytic effect for the thermal decomposition of DAP-4. The decomposition peak temperature of DAP-4 was decreased by 61°C for the CuO catalyzed reaction.