Preparation, characterization and catalytic property of CuO nano/microspheres via thermal decomposition of cathode-plasma generating Cu2(OH)3NO3 nano/microspheres

CuO nano/microspheres with a wide diametric distribution were prepared by thermal decomposition of Cu2(OH)3NO3 nano/microspheres formed in a simple asymmetric-electrode based cathodic-plasma electrolysis. The morphological, componential, and structural information about the two kinds of spheres were characterized in detail by SEM, TEM, EDX, XPS and XRD, and the results revealed that the morphology of the spheres were well kept after the componential and structural transformation from Cu2(OH)3NO3 into CuO. The TGA/DSC study showed that the CuO nano/microspheres could be explored to be a promising additive for accelerating the thermal decomposition of ammonium perchlorate (AP). Combining with the current curve and emission spectrum measured in the plasma electrolysis, formation mechanism of the Cu2(OH)3NO3 spheres was also discussed.

Cu2(OH)3NO3 nano/microspheres were generated in cathodic-plasma electrolysis, and they were thermally decomposed into CuO nano/microspheres, which exhibited excellent catalytic activity in the thermal decomposition of ammonium perchlorate.Figure optionsDownload high-quality image (96 K)Download as PowerPoint slideResearch highlights
► Cu2(OH)3NO3 nano/microspheres are synthesized via cathodic-plasma electrolysis.
► The Cu2(OH)3NO3 nano/microspheres can be thermally transformed into CuO species.
► The CuO nano/microspheres show excellent catalytic activity in decomposition of AP.
► Several techniques are used for comprehensive characterization of the samples.
► The preparation method is simple, nontoxic and productive.