Graphene oxide-enveloped Bi2WO6 composites as a highly efficient catalyst for the thermal decomposition of cyclotrimethylenetrinitramine

Abstract

A novel approach for the construction of graphene oxide (GO) enveloped Bi₂WO₆ nanocomposites (GBWe) by modifying the surface charge of Bi₂WO₆ nanoparticles (NPs) has been described. The product showed a 3D interconnected network structure with little aggregation and increased high active surface area. The catalytic effect of GBWe on the thermal decomposition of cyclotrimethylenetrinitramine (RDX) was comparatively investigated with GO, Bi₂WO₆ NPs, GO and Bi₂WO₆ mixed by simply ultrasonic blend. The results indicated that GBWe exhibits the best catalytic activity. The exothermic peak was significantly decreased by 34.4 °C and the endothermic peak disappeared. Meanwhile, the apparent activation energy (E_a) was reduced by 65.6 kJ mol⁻¹. This enhanced catalytic effect should be attributed to the synergistic effect between GO and Bi₂WO₆ NPs.