Abstract
THE THERMAL decomposition course of rubidium acetate Rb(CH3COO) was probed on heating up to 1000(circle)C in a dynamic atmosphere of air by thermogravimetry and differential thermal analysis. The solid and gas-phase decomposition products were identified by X-ray diffractometry, ex-and in-situ infrared spectroscopy and mass spectrometry. Results obtained showed the acetate to decompose stepwise to yield eventually Rb2O at = 900(circle)C encompassing the formation of the intermediate Rb2CO3 solid product (at 400-700(circle)C)) and H2O, (CH3)(2)CO and CO2 as primary gaseous products. A considerable enhancement of the production of primary gas phase products at 400-450(circle)C and the emergence of (CH3)(2)C=CH2, CH4 and CO molecules in the gas phase are ascribed to reactions occurring at the gas/solid interface at the expense of some of the primary products. The activity at the gas solid interface has been indicated These interfacial activities impart application-worthy adsorptive and catalytic functions for the associated solid products.