Synergistic effects between Cu metal–organic framework (Cu-MOF) and carbon nanomaterials for the catalyzation of the thermal decomposition of ammonium perchlorate (AP)

In this study, a novel Cu-MOF@Carbon nanomaterial composite was prepared to catalyze the thermal decomposition of ammonium perchlorate (AP). The structure was characterized by using scanning electron microscope (SEM), X-ray energy-dispersive spectrum (EDS), and X-ray diffraction (XRD); the specific surface area was estimated by Brunauer–Emmett–Teller (BET) method; and the pore volumes and pore size distributions were derived from the adsorption branches of isotherms using the Barrett–Joyner–Halenda (BJH) model. And the thermal decomposition behavior was investigated by using differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) and thermogravimetry analysis (TGA). The results indicated that all products showed excellent catalytic activity. Among the samples investigated here, Cu-MOF@CNT-rGO exhibited the best catalytic activity, since the high-temperature decomposition peak of AP decreased to 313.8 °C, which is reduced nearly 100 °C than the raw material (409.7 °C). And this was attributed to the high thermal and electrical conductivities of carbon nanomaterials, and the large surface area of both Cu-MOF and carbon nanomaterials. This study provides a new choice to be used as the promising catalysts in modifying the burning performance of AP-based composite propellant.