Preparation of carbon nanotubes supporting bismuth oxide nanometer particle and its catalysis on thermal decomposition of ammonium dinitramide

Carbon nanotubes (CNTs) supporting bismuth oxide (Bi₂O₃) nanometer particle (Bi₂O₃/CNTs) was prepared by the microwave radiation method. Bi₂O₃/CNTs nanometer particle was determined by means of scan electron microscopy (SEM), X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) and X-ray diffraction (XRD). The catalytic property of Bi₂O₃/CNTs nanometer particle on thermal decomposition of ammonium dinitramide (ADN) was investigated by TG and DSC. The results show that nanometer Bi₂O₃ was coated uniformly on the surface of CNTs. Average size of nanometer Bi₂O₃ is 8 nm. Initial thermal decomposition temperature and ending thermal decomposition temperature of ADN decrease 12.8°C and 29.3°C, respectively when addition amount of Bi₂O₃/CNTs nanometer particle is 3%. NH₄N(NO₂)₂ → NH₄NO₃+N₂O is dominant reaction of initial thermal decomposition of ADN.