Thermal decomposition of Mn (II), Co (II), Ni (II), Cu (II) benzoates and aminobenzoates

The article discusses the main methods for obtaining carbon composite nanomaterials and highlights the thermolysis method as one of them. To understand the essence of thermal decomposition processes as a synthesis method for carbon nanomaterials, thermolysis of aromatic carboxylates of such elements as manganese(II), cobalt(II), nickel(II), and copper(II) was considered. The article thoroughly discusses the synthesis procedure for these metal carboxylates under simple conditions. The thermal decomposition process was carried out in two environments (air as oxidizing one and argon as neutral one) to compare the products obtained. For a detailed study of the decomposition processes of manganese(II), cobalt(II), nickel(II), and copper(II) carboxylates, thermal analysis methods (TG and DSC) were used on a Netzsch 449 Jupiter synchronous thermal analyzer. To study the morphology and composition of the products, the methods of X-ray phase analysis, optical and scanning electron microscopy, and X-ray fluorescence microanalysis were used. The devices used were a Rigaku Ultima IV X-ray diffractometer and a scanning electron microscope with a Jeol JSM-7001F. The mechanisms of thermal decomposition of manganese(II), cobalt(II), nickel(II), and copper(II) carboxylates were suggested. For a more accurate determination of the composition of the synthesis products of manganese(II), cobalt(II), nickel(II), and copper(II) carboxylates and for a more accurate description of the processes of thermal decomposition of these salts, the corresponding aromatic carboxylic acids were also thermally decomposed. The appendix to the article presents thermograms of manganese(II), cobalt(II), nickel(II), and copper(II) aromatic carboxylates.