Thermoanalytical investigation of the decomposition course of copper oxysalts .2. Copper(II) nitrate trihydrate

The thermal decomposition of copper nitrate trihydrate (CuNTH); Cu(NO3)(2) . 3H(2)O was studied up to 600 degrees C by thermogravimetry (TG) and differential thermal analysis (DTA) in a dynamic atmosphere of air. The thermal events occurring throughout the decomposition course were characterized on the basis of spectral analyses using infrared spectroscopy (IR), X-ray diffractometry (XRD) and scanning electron microscopy (SEM). Non-isothermal kinetic parameters were determined. The results showed that the decomposition course involves two main processes, firstly the formation of hydroxy copper nitrate and secondly, the decomposition of this compound to yield CuO. Pathways were suggested that may be involved in the decomposition course.