2. General Characteristics of the Methods of Thermolysis of Metal Compounds

The study of thermolysis of metal-containing compounds can be carried out in closed or open systems both under isothermal and non-isothermal conditions using external and internal heating sources. Depending on the tasks, different approaches allow controlling the degree of conversion and determining the choice of equipment for the experimental study of thermolysis of compounds. Weight (thermogravimetry, TG) or volumetric (volumetry) methods are the most common. Although the development of experimental facilities for the study of thermolysis kinetics began in the first quarter of the twentieth century, the current state of TA can be characterized as diverse and dynamic. In particular, improved tools, methods, and applications are constantly appearing on the market and in scientific research. It should be noted that practically any compound in a solid, semi-solid, or liquid state can be analyzed and characterized by thermal analysis (TA) methods. In recent years, integrated (synchronous) devices have begun to appear that combine several methods for analyzing the conversion of matter with automation and using the capabilities of modern computers in a single approach. In this chapter, we will consider the features of the basic methods used to study the kinetics of thermolysis of metal-containing compounds.