Synthesis of chrysalis-like CuO nanocrystals and their cat alytic activity in the thermal decomposition of ammonium perchlorate

Chrysalis-like morphologies of CuO have been synthesized in large-quantity via a simple chemical deposition method without the use of any complex instruments and reagents. CuO nanocrystals showed a different morphology at three different temperatures, 25, 60 and 100A degrees C. The particle size, morphology and crystal structure of the samples were characterized by transmission electron microscopy (TEM), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), X-ray diffraction (XRD) and Raman spectra. The catalytic effect of CuO nanoparticles on the decomposition of ammonium perchlorate (AP) was investigated by STA 409 PC thermal analyzer at a heating rate of 10A degrees C min(-1) from 35 to 500A degrees C. Compared with the thermal decomposition of pure AP, the addition of CuO nanoparticles decreased the decomposition temperature of AP by about 85A degrees C.