Synergistic Catalysis in LaFe_0.5Co_0.5O₃/Ni-Fe PBA Drives Efficient AP Thermal Decomposition

Area of Science:

• Materials Science
• Chemical Engineering
• Combustion Science

Background:

• Efficient catalysts are crucial for enhancing the energy output of solid propellants by regulating ammonium perchlorate (AP) decomposition.
• Developing bifunctional catalysts with synergistic effects is key to improving AP's thermal and combustion properties.

Purpose of the Study:

• To design and synthesize a LaFe0.5Co0.5O3/Ni-Fe Prussian Blue Analogue (PBA) composite catalyst.
• To investigate the synergistic catalytic effects of the perovskite-type oxide and PBA framework on AP's decomposition and combustion.
• To evaluate the performance enhancement of solid propellants using the developed composite catalyst.

Main Methods:

• Synthesis of a LaFe0.5Co0.5O3/Ni-Fe PBA composite.
• Systematic characterization using techniques to analyze surface properties, redox states, and pore structure.
• Thermal decomposition analysis (TGA/DSC) to determine decomposition temperature and activation energy.
• Combustion tests to measure burning rate, flame area, and luminescence intensity.

Main Results:

• The optimized composite catalyst demonstrated a significant reduction in AP's decomposition temperature (106.9 °C) and activation energy (56.2%).
• Combustion tests showed a substantial increase in burning rate (48.1%), flame area (35.0%), and luminescence intensity (45.8%).
• Interfacial synergy between the perovskite and PBA components facilitated improved charge transfer and gas diffusion.

Conclusions:

• The LaFe0.5Co0.5O3/Ni-Fe PBA composite acts as a highly effective bifunctional catalyst for ammonium perchlorate.
• Interfacial engineering is a promising strategy for designing advanced catalysts for solid propellants and fuel energy modulation.
• The developed catalyst offers potential for broad applications in enhancing energetic material performance.