Thermal decomposition of basic copper sulphate monohydrate

The thermal decomposition of copper sulphate hydroxide hydrate, (CuO·CuSO₄). 2Cu(OH)₂·H₂O, to copper oxysulphate and CuO was investigated by X-ray phase analysis, IR spectroscopy, complex thermal analysis and electron microscopy. The effect of water vapour and time of treatment on the formation of decomposition products with a large surface area is studied. The strong decrease in specific surface area of the precipitate (from 80 m²/g to 20 m²/g) thermally treated at a temperature above 250°C is associated with the elimination of water having a coordination bond with the Cu²⁺ ion. During this process, the interplanar distances of the crystal lattice of copper sulphate hydroxide hydrate decrease. The time of decomposition of this compound essentially affects the decrease of the specific surface area. When the decomposition proceeds in an atmosphere containing water vapour sintering processes are predominating and the phase obtained has a considerably smaller specific surface area than in cases of decomposition under dry air.