Nano-NiCuZnCo2O4: a promising catalyst for the fast thermal decomposition of ammonium nitrate (AN) in an energetic formulation

Abstract

Nano-NiCuZnCo₂O₄ with a mean size of ∼18 nm was synthesized, and its structure was analyzed via XRD, Raman, IR, and UV-visible spectroscopy techniques. To determine if this compound would be an efficient catalyst for the thermolysis of AN, 2% of the catalyst was mixed with 98% of AN, and the decomposition was studied over a temperature range of 313–673 K at heating rates of 5, 10, and 15 °C min⁻¹ to investigate the kinetics and thermodynamics. The catalyst exhibited stability, decreased activation energy, and an increased reaction rate.