CDs/Fe2O3 composite catalyst and its effect on the thermal decomposition and ignition combustion of TKX-50

The carbon dots (CDs) were obtained by oxidation etching of coal pitch powder with peroxic acid. The CDs/Fe 2 O 3 composites were in-situ prepared by hydrothermal method. The composition, morphology and structure of CDs and CDs/Fe 2 O 3 were analyzed by TEM/HRTEM, XRD, EDS and XPS. The effects of CDs, Fe 2 O 3 and CDs/Fe 2 O 3 on the thermal decomposition of TKX-50 were studied by DSC-MS-FTIR and in-situ-solid FTIR. The three materials decreased the peak temperature of TKX-50 by 12.1, 33.9 and 39.0℃ (under the warming rate of 10℃·min −1 ). The CDs/Fe 2 O 3 showed best catalytic performance. The carboxyl group contained on the surface of CDs adsorbed NH 3 , inhibiting the formation of by-decomposition products ABTOX. Besides assimilating NH 3 and restraining the agglomeration of Fe 2 O 3 , the CDs/Fe 2 O 3 provided more active sites for decomposition which reduce the decomposition and activation energy of TKX-50 and promoted the reaction. Furthermore, CDs/Fe 2 O 3 reduced the ignition delay time of TKX-50 and significantly increased the flame propagation speed and flame area. Therefore, CDs and its compound CDs/Fe 2 O 3 have excellent application prospects in solid propellant combustion catalysts.