Preparation of ferric oxide nano-particles on carbon nanotubes and its catalysis on thermal decomposition of oxidizers

Carbon nanotubes (CNTs) supporting ferric oxide (Fe₂O₃) nano-particles (CNTs/Fe₂O₃) was prepared by the liquid phase precipitation method, and was determined by transmission electron microscopy (TEM), X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) and X-ray diffraction (XRD). The catalytic properties of Fe₂O₃/CNTs on thermal decomposition of ammonium perchlorate (AP), ammonium dinitramide (ADN) and ammonium nitrate (AN) were investigated. The results show that the surface of CNTs is coated uniformly with nano-particles of α-Fe₂O₃ with average diameter of 22 nm. Primary thermal decomposition temperatures of AP decrease 33.7, 40, 50.8°C, respectively, and thermal decomposition peak temperatures decrease 14.7, 22.9, 26.4°C respectively when addition amounts of CNTs/Fe₂O₃ are up to 1%, 3% and 5%. Primary thermal decomposition temperatures of ADN and AN decrease 12.1, 3.6°C respectively, thermal decomposition peak temperatures decrease 18.6, 6.6°C respectively when addition amount of CNTs/Fe₂O₃ is up to 1%.