H-titanate nanotube supported Fe2O3 nanoparticles for enhancing the thermal decomposition of ammonium perchlorate: The superb catalytic activity of interface sites

High surface area H-titanate nanotubes were synthesized through a hydrothermal route. Iron oxide (Fe2O3) was deposited on H-titanate nanotubes by atomic layer deposition (ALD) to produce H-titanate@Fe2O3 composites, which are used as combustion catalysts for thermal decomposition of ammonium perchlorate (AP). Results of thermal analysis show that H-titanate@Fe2O3 catalysts could effectively promote the thermal decomposition of AP. The decomposition temperature of AP is reduced by 96-111 degrees C with the presence of H-titanate@Fe2O3 catalysts, and the apparent activation energy is reduced by up to 117 kTmol(-1). The superb catalytic activity of Htitanate@Fe2O3 catalysts is attributed to the finely dispersed Fe2O3 nanoparticles anchored on the surface of Htitanate, which generate very active Fe2O3-H2Ti3O2 interface sites for the decomposition of AP. These results demonstrate the great potential of interface engineering as a promising strategy to prepare highly efficient propellant combustion catalysts. ALD has been proved to be an effective approach to synthesize catalytically active interface sites with optimum structures and performances.

Automated summary

By synthesizing high surface area H-titanate nanotubes through a hydrothermal route, and depositing iron oxide (Fe2O3) on them using atomic layer deposition (ALD), H-titanate@Fe2O3 composites were produced and used as combustion catalysts for thermal decomposition of ammonium perchlorate (AP). The results show that H-titanate@Fe2O3 catalysts effectively promote the thermal decomposition of AP, reducing the decomposition temperature and apparent activation energy. The excellent catalytic activity of H-titanate@Fe2O3 catalysts is attributed to the finely dispersed Fe2O3 nanoparticles anchored on the surface of H-titanate, generating very active interface sites for the decomposition of AP, demonstrating the potential of interface engineering in preparing efficient propellant combustion catalysts.