The use of MoO3 and NiO (pure or mixed) oxide catalysts in the decomposition of KMnO4

Non-isothermal decomposition of pure or mixed KMnO4 with (10% w/w) MoO3 and NiO as well as mixtures of the two oxides was studied using thermogravimetric (TG) and derivative thermogravimetric (DTG) analyses. The catalysts calcined at 500°C were characterized by XRD and IR analyses. The surface area (SBET) of these catalysts were, also, determined. XRD analysis was used to identify the intermediate compounds resulting during the first stage of decomposition of KMnO4, as pure or mixed with some selected catalysts, and the final products of the decomposition at 400°C. A reaction scheme has been proposed to illustrate the decomposition steps of KMnO4.