CATALYTIC EFFECTS OF METAL-OXIDES ON THE DECOMPOSITION OF POTASSIUM PERCHLORATE

Catalytic effects of metal oxides with comparable surface areas on the decomposition of potassium perchlorate were studied by thermogravimet ric analysis. The catalytic mechanism is discussed based on the relati ve activity of the metal oxides. It is found that the oxides containin g transition metal cations with partially filled d-orbitals have the h ighest activities, the oxides containing transition metal cations with completely empty valence d-orbitals are moderately active, and the ox ides containing metal cations with completely filled d-orbitals or nob le gas configurations have the lowest activities. Differences between the decomposition of potassium perchlorate and the previously reported decomposition of sodium chlorate are explained by differences in the melting points and molecular structures of these salts.