Preparation of high filling ratio Fe2O3@MWCNTs composite particles and catalytic performance on thermal decomposition of ammonium perchlorate

Iron oxide-filled multi-walled carbon nanotubes (Fe₂O₃@MWCNTs) composite particles were produced by a mild and superior physical absorption method using molten Fe(NO₃)₃·9H₂O as the precursor. Characterisation of Fe₂O₃@MWCNTs composite particles was performed by X-ray diffraction, scanning electron microscopy, transmission electron microscopy and thermogravimetry-differential scanning calorimetry. The results showed a large number of hematite phase Fe₂O₃ were uniformly filled in the MWCNTs, and the mass fraction of Fe₂O₃ was about 25.8 wt%. Furthermore, in the presence of 10 wt% Fe₂O₃@MWCNTs composite particles, the peak temperature of the high-temperature decomposition of ammonium perchlorate (AP) decreased by 116°C, the peak of the low-temperature decomposition disappeared and the amount of AP heat released was increased about 200 kJ/mol.