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

The catalysis effects of MgCo 2 O 4 nanosheets on the thermal decomposition of ammonium perchlorate (AP) were investigated. The MgCo 2 O 4 nanosheets were synthesized with a facile free-template hydrothermal method. The chemical structure and micromorphology of MgCo 2 O 4 nanosheets were characterized. Moreover, the catalysis thermal decomposition properties of AP using composite metal oxides MgCo 2 O 4 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% MgCo 2 O 4 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 MgCo 2 O 4 nanosheets was explained. With the increasing temperature, the accumulated electrons (e – ) and holes (h + ) excited were activated at the surface of MgCo 2 O 4 nanosheets, which accelerated H transfer from H atom of NH 4 + to O atom of ClO 4 – and boosted AP decomposition.