Shape-controlled syntheses of Co3O4 nanowires arrays with excellent catalytic performances upon ammonium perchlorate decomposition

Abstract Co 3 O 4 nanowires (NWs) arrays were successfully fabricated via a facile hydrothermal-annealing method. The component, structure and morphology of the Co 3 O 4 NWs arrays were characterized. The slim Co 3 O 4 NWs consist of interconnected nanocrystals and have a specific surface area of 26.6 m 2 g −1 . The obtained materials have exhibited an excellent catalytic performance on the thermal decomposition of ammonium perchlorate (AP). In addition, catalytic activities of the prepared Co 3 O 4 mainly depend on the content of catalyst. Impressively, an addition of 9 wt% Co 3 O 4 NWs arrays to AP exhibited the most significant catalytic effect in lowering the decomposition temperature from 404 to 288 °C, increasing the decomposition heat from 502 to 930 J g −1 and decreasing the activation energy from 201 to 168 kJ mol −1 . Furthermore, the catalytic mechanism of the Co 3 O 4 NWs arrays based on electron transfer processes was discussed.