Two-dimensional cluster catalysts with superior thermal stability and catalytic activity for AP

The preparation of catalysts with small particle size, large specific surface area and high atomic utilization has always been the focus of research in the field of catalysis. As for energetic materials, catalysts are always used to improve the thermal decomposition performance of ammonium perchlorate (AP) as it has significant effect on the power of engine. In this work, a two-dimensional metal clusters catalyst has been successfully prepared by solvothermal and heat treatment to improve thermal decomposition performance of AP. In detail, the transition metal ions were supported on the graphene oxide (GO) surface by organic ligands linking, followed by heat treatment to obtain two-dimensional rGO based metal clusters catalyst. The morphology and structure of the catalysts at different temperatures and their effect on AP decomposition were studied, the results show that catalyst at 300 degrees C has a particle size of 20 nm and uniformly distributed on rGO. The catalyst promotes the high temperature decomposition of AP by 73.7 degrees C with improved stability, and increases the heat release from 652.73 J/g to 1392.11 J/g. This may be attributed to good conductivity of GO and the strong gain-loss electron ability of the metal clusters. The presence of GO increased the active sites for cluster catalysis, additional, the metal clusters have a positive synergistic effect with GO. Thus, the thermal decomposition performance of AP was enhanced meanwhile thermal stability can also be improved.

Automated summary

In this study, a two-dimensional metal clusters catalyst was successfully prepared to improve the thermal decomposition performance of AP. The catalyst showed good conductivity and strong gain-loss electron ability, which contributed to the enhanced thermal decomposition of AP and improved stability.