The effect of rGO-Fe2O3 nanocomposites with spherical, hollow and fusiform microstructures on the thermal decomposition of TKX-50

rGO-Fe2O3 nanocomposites with spherical, hollow and fusiform Fe2O3 (s, h and f) microstructures have been successfully fabricated using DMF as solvent via a facile solvothermal method. The morphologies and compositions of the as-synthesized rGO-Fe2O3 (s, h and f) nanocomposites were systematically studied using SEM, TEM, XRD, FTIR, RAMAN and XPS analysis. The rGO-Fe2O3 (s, h and f) nanocomposites were used to catalyze the thermal decomposition of energetic TKX-50 and the corresponding kinetic parameters were calculated using an isoconversional model. The catalytic performance of Fe2O3 (s, h and f) during the thermal decomposition of TKX-50 was significantly improved after being anchored onto the surface of graphene oxide. The as-synthesized rGO-Fe2O3 (h) and rGO-Fe2O3 (s) nanocomposites have an excellent effect toward reducing the temperature and apparent activation energy (Ea) for TKX-50 decomposition, respectively. The excellent catalytic performance of rGO-Fe2O3 (h) nanocomposite can be attributed to its external and internal surfaces, which provide more active sites for TKX-50 decomposition. In addition, the interactions formed between rGO and Fe2O3 have a positive effect toward reducing the Ea. •Hollow Fe2O3 (h and f) exhibit enhanced catalytic performance when compared to Fe2O3 (s).•The catalytic performance of Fe2O3 (s, h and f) was improved after being anchored on the surface of rGO.•The interactions formed between rGO and Fe2O3 (s) have a significant positive effect toward reducing the Ea.