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

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 °C to 295 °C, even lower than that of ZnO (311 °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.