Catalytic Effects of rGO-MFe2O4 (M = Ni, Co, and Zn) Nanocomposites on the Thermal Decomposition Performance and Mechanism of Energetic FOX-7

Thermal decomposition performance of the insensitive energetic compound 1,1-diamino-2,2-dintroethene (FOX-7) is essential for its application in the field of solid propellants. This study seeks to reveal the catalytic effects of reduced graphene oxide-bimetallic oxide nanocomposites (rGO-MFe2O4, M = Ni, Co, and Zn) on the thermal decomposition, kinetic parameters, and pyrolysis mechanism of energetic FOX-7. The results showed that the catalytic activities of the bimetallic iron oxide (NiFe2O4, CoFe2O4, and ZnFe2O4) increased obviously after anchoring on the surface of graphene. Particularly, the rGO-NiFe2O4 nanocomposite possessed the best catalytic activity for FOX-7 thermal decomposition. The high thermal decomposition peak temperature (T-HDP) and the apparent activation energy (E-a) of FOX-7 were decreased by 57.4 degrees C and 54.27 kJ mol(-1) after mixing with the rGO-NiFe2O4 nanocomposite. The excellent catalytic activity of rGO-NiFe2O4 can be attributed to the synergistic interaction between rGO and NiFe2O4, which is beneficial for the reduction of activation energy and a high thermal decomposition peak temperature of FOX-7. This study is helpful for the rational design of a solid propellant containing FOX-7 and to understand the thermal decomposition kinetics and mechanism of FOX-7.