Synthesis and characterization of KNd2Ti3O9.5 nanocrystal and its catalytic effect on decomposition of ammonium perchlorate

▶ The KNd2Ti3O9.5 nanocrystals was firstly fabricated at 400 °C by using stearic acid sol-gel method. The obtained KNd2Ti3O9.5 nanocrystals with an average size of 12 nm are square-like and take on layered perovskite structure, and this structure is quite stable and can steadily exist in the atmosphere even at 1000 °C. ▶ The KNd2Ti3O9.5 nanocrystals have an intense catalytic effect on the decomposition of AP. It can obviously decreases the thermal decomposition temperature (by 50 °C), increases the decomposition heat (from 590 J g−1 to 1659 J g−1) and quickens the thermal decomposition reaction rate, with the addition of 2% KNd2Ti3O9.5 nanoparticles to AP.