Preparation of nanometer CuFe2O4 by auto-combustion and its catalytic activity on the thermal decomposition of ammonium perchlorate

Nanometer copper ferrite was synthesized by auto-combustion method using cupric nitrate, ferric nitrate and malic acid as raw materials. The precursor and as-burnt sample were characterized by X-ray Diffraction (XRD) and Transmission Electron Microscopy (TEM). Average particle size of sample is 26nm. The catalytic performance of nanometer CuFe2O4 on the thermal decomposition of ammonium perchlorate (AP) was investigated by DTA. The results show that the nanometer CuFe2O4 has high a catalytic activity. and the thermal decomposition temperature of AP shift 105 degrees C downward with the effect of nanometer copper ferrite. When the content of CuFe2O4 Comes to 5%, the catalytic performance is the best. (C) 2008 Published by Elsevier B.V.