Pyrolysis of Nickel Zirconyl Oxalate

Nickel zirconyl oxalate hexahydrate (NiZrOx) is δ prepared and characterised by I.R. spectral and chemical analysis. Its thermal decomposition has been investigated by employing TG, DTG, DTA and chemical analysis. End product was identified by X‐ray diffraction studies. The decomposition proceeds through four steps i) dehydration of NiZrOx in two steps, ii) partial decomposition of oxalate to give an oxalate carbonate intermediate, iii) decomposition of oxalate to give a non‐stoichiometric carbonate and iv) decomposition of this non‐stoichiometric carbonate to give the end product a mixture of NiO+ZrO 2 . On the basis of the results obtained, a tentative scheme for the decomposition of NiZrOx is proposed.