Synthesis and characterization of a novel copper chromite catalyst for the thermal decomposition of ammonium perchlorate

•New copper chromite catalyst with high copper content was prepared.•Contains CuCrO2 phases along with CuCr2O4 and CuO.•Rod shaped nano structure with average diameter of 20–30 nm.•Shows superior catalytic activity than conventional copper chromite.

A novel copper chromite based burning rate catalyst for composite solid propellants was synthesized by the thermal decomposition of basic copper ethylamine chromate. Thermal decomposition of the precursor to copper chromite was followed by TG–DSC techniques and the volatile products formed were characterized by TG–MS analysis. Copper content, surface area and Lewis acid sites of the new catalyst are higher than that in the standard copper chromite. XRD analysis showed the presence of CuCrO2 phases along with CuO and CuCr2O4. SEM analysis revealed the presence of rod shaped nanoparticles of copper chromite having diameter of 20–30 nm and length of 200–300 nm. The improved surface properties as well as the synergetic action of three phases of oxides, viz., CuO, CuCr2O4 and CuCrO2 in the system increase the catalytic activity of new catalyst resulting in a reduction of 60 °C in the decomposition temperature of ammonium perchlorate.

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