Investigation on solid state pyrolytic decomposition of bimetallic fumarate and tartrate precursors of Co (II), Ni (II) and Zn (II) with manganese

Abstract The complexes of Co (II), Ni (II), and Zn (II) with manganese were synthesized by co-precipitation techniques such as fumarates and tartrates. The formation of these dicarboxylate complexes characterized by elemental analysis, infrared spectroscopy, and X-ray powder diffraction studies. The thermal decomposition behaviors of these complexes were investigated using thermal analysis (TGA, DTG, and DTA) and d. c. electrical conductivity measurements under normal atmosphere. Based on conductivity measurements and isothermal studies, a probable mechanism for the decomposition was proposed. After dehydration, the anhydrous complexes decompose to yield respective carbonate intermediate in the temperature range 200 – 350 °C. Decomposition of this carbonate species to the formation of the respective spinel in the temperature ranges 350 – 500 °C. The infrared spectra and X-ray powder diffraction studies were made for the identification of intermediate products. The X-ray diffraction studies of the end product indicate that spinel such as CoMn2O4, NiMn2O4, and ZnMn2O4 formed as a final product. The electrical conductivity measurements were found to give additional information on the solid-state reaction as compared to that obtained from conventional thermal techniques (such as TGA, DTG, and DTA).