Abstract

Sphere- and pod-like α-Fe₂O₃ particles have been selectively synthesized using NH₃·H₂O and NaOH solution to adjust the pH value of the designed synthetic system, respectively. The sphere-like α-Fe₂O₃ particles with diameter about 25 nm on average were encapsulated into carbon shells to fabricate a novel core–shell composite (α-Fe₂O₃@C) through the coating experiments. The catalytic performance of the products on the thermal decomposition of ammonium perchlorate (AP) was investigated by thermal gravimetric analyzer (TG) and differential thermal analysis (DTA). The thermal decomposition temperatures of AP in the presence of pod-like α-Fe₂O₃, sphere-like α-Fe₂O₃ and α-Fe₂O₃@C are reduced by 72, 81 and 109 °C, respectively, which show that α-Fe₂O₃@C core–shell composites have higher catalytic activity than that of α-Fe₂O₃.

Graphical abstract

The catalytic performance of pod-like α-Fe₂O₃, sphere-like α-Fe₂O₃ and α-Fe₂O₃@C on the thermal decomposition of ammonium perchlorate (AP).

Research highlights

► Sphere- and pod-like α-Fe₂O₃ particles have been selectively synthesized using NH₃·H₂O and NaOH solution to adjust the pH value. ► A novel core–shell composite (α-Fe₂O₃@C core–shell structured composite) has been successfully synthesized using sphere-like α-Fe₂O₃ particles as the cores and glucose as the source of carbon. ► The thermal decomposition temperatures of AP in the presence of pod-like α-Fe₂O₃, sphere-like α-Fe₂O₃ and α-Fe₂O₃@C are reduced by 72, 81 and 109 °C, respectively, which shows that these materials have high catalytic activity.