THE ROLE OF COPPER COBALTITE SPINEL, CUXCO3-XO4 DURING THE THERMAL-DECOMPOSITION OF AMMONIUM-PERCHLORATE

The catalytic effect of copper cobaltite, CuxCo3-xO4 spinel in the ran ge (0 less than or equal to x less than or equal to 3) on the thermal decomposition of ammonium perchlorate (AP) has been studied using ther mogravimetry (TG) and differential thermal analysis (DTA). The results revealed that the addition of CuO (x = 0.1 or 0.3) led to an observab le increase in the catalytic activity of Co3O4 towards the decompositi on of AP, while the activity of CuO decreases at x = 2.9 and 2.7. The creation of more holes within the p-type semiconducting catalyst is re sponsible for enhancing the decomposition of AP. In contrast, the cata lysts containing copper cobaltite spinels are less active than the dop ed catalysts. The active redox sites established in these spinels, Co3 +/Co2+, Cu2+/Cu+ and Co3+/Cu+, are not as efficient as holes in promot ing electron exchange with the perchlorate ions.