Thermal decomposition of d-metal nitrates supported on alumina

The thermal decomposition of cobalt, nickel, manganese, zinc, and copper nitrates supported on nanometric alumina was investigated and compared with decomposition of corresponding bulk nitrates. TG, DTA, and MS measurements in air were performed. The supported nitrates decompose in lower temperatures than the bulk ones and their decomposition proceeds in fewer stages which are better separated. Synthesized materials and bulk nitrates before degradation of nitrates groups undergo dehydration. For decomposition of manganese and copper nitrates, the last step of water vapour releasing is combined with degradation of nitrate groups thus formation of anhydrous metal nitrate during decomposition is not achievable. Thermal decomposition of bulk nitrates leads to oxides—Co3O4, NiO, MnO2, ZnO, and CuO—respectively, as the solid residue. The nickel, zinc, copper, and manganese nitrates while supported on alumina decompose to corresponding oxides (NiO, ZnO, CuO, MnO2) as well. For decomposition of cobalt nitrate while supported on Al2O3 as the solid residue CoAl2O4 were identified. The correlation between dehydration and degradation of nitrates groups temperatures for bulk and supported nitrates was analysed in terms of atomic properties of d-metals.