The catalytic behavior of thallium (III) oxide (Tl2O3) with respect to the combustion of carbon black was investigated using thermal analysis, X-ray diffraction analysis, scanning electron microscopy, and the O-18-isotope exchange technique. The thermogravimetric-differential thermal analysis results revealed that the combustion temperature of carbon black (650 degrees C) decreases dramatically, to 320 degrees C, when it is mixed with Tl2O3 (2 wt% carbon black+ as-purchased Tl2O3), owing to its oxidation by Tl2O3, which has the ability to readily release its lattice oxygens. (C) 2016 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.