The particle dimension controlling synthesis of α-MnO2 nanowires with enhanced catalytic activity on the thermal decomposition of ammonium perchlorate

Hydrothermal method synthesis of α-MnO2 nanowires has been achieved at different temperatures in this work. X-ray diffraction and transmission electron microscopy confirmed the pure phase of the α-MnO2 nanowires. All of the samples crystallized in a single-phase nanowires shape. The α-MnO2 nanowires diameter increased from 11 nm to 21 nm with the increase in hydrothermal temperature from 120 °C to 200 °C. The α-MnO2 catalytic activity on the decomposition of ammonium perchlorate (AP) was characterized through thermogravimetric analysis. The decomposition rate of AP with the addition of α-MnO2 was size relative. The 11 nm MnO2 nanowires exhibited the best catalytic activity, which lowered the high-temperature peak of AP by 130 °C.

Graphical abstractWith reducing diameter, α-MnO2 nanowires showed enhanced catalytic activities in thermal decomposition of ammonium perchlorate.Figure optionsDownload full-size imageDownload as PowerPoint slide