Atomic-Layer-Deposited ZnO on Carbon Black as High-Performance Catalysts for the Thermal Decomposition of Ammonium Perchlorate

摘要

Hybrid materials with ZnO anchored on carbon black (CB) are fabricated by using the atomic-layer deposition (ALD) technique. The oxygen-containing functional groups on the surface of the CB act as the reactive sites to facilitate stable deposition of ZnO, and further create a unique hybrid structure with a C-O-Zn bond between CB and ZnO. The catalytic performance of the ZnO/CB hybrids for thermal decomposition of ammonium perchlorate (AP, NH4ClO4) is investigated, showing that two exothermic peaks are merged into one and the peak temperature decreases from 432 degrees C to 295 degrees C, even lower than that of ZnO (311 degrees C). The superior catalytic activity of ZnO/CB hybrids is attributed to the fast electron transfer from ZnO to CB and restricted electron recombination in the hybrids, which significantly benefits from the C-O-Zn bond fabricated by the ALD process. The present study provides a new insight into the catalytic mechanism of metal oxide/carbon hybrids, showing promise for catalyst and reaction accelerator applications.