The decomposition kinetics of [Et4N]2[M(dmit)2] (M = Ni, Pd) in a nitrogen atmosphere using thermogravimetry

Thermal properties and thermal decompositions of [NEt4](2)[M(dmit)(2)] (M=Ni(II), Pd(II), dmit= 1,3-dithiole-2-thione-4,5-dithiolate) have been studied by thermogravimetry (TG). The TG analysis has shown that the complexes are thermally stable up to 460K and the decomposition of the complexes occurs in three consecutive stages up to 873 K. A thermal stability scale for [M(dmit)(2)](n-) anions was based on the thermal properties. Kinetics parameters, such as activation energy, Ea, and kinetic apparent pre-exponential factor, In A(app), have been calculated from the thermogravimetric data at heating rates of 10, 15, 20 and 25 K/min involving differential (Friedman's equation) and integral (Flynn-Wall-Ozawa's equation) methods. (c) 2006 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.