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

The development of efficient catalysts to regulate the thermal decomposition and combustion behavior of ammonium perchlorate (AP) is essential for improving the energy output of solid propellants. In this study, a LaFe_0.5Co_0.5O₃/Ni-Fe Prussian Blue Analogue (PBA) composite was designed to synergistically enhance the decomposition kinetics and combustion performance of AP. The composite integrates perovskite-type oxides with a conductive PBA framework, forming a bifunctional electronic-geometric catalytic interface. Systematic characterization revealed that the optimized Ni-Fe PBA effectively balanced oxygen vacancy generation, Fe²⁺/Fe³⁺ redox cycling, and a multistage pore structure. This led to a 106.9 °C reduction in AP's thermal decomposition temperature and a 56.2% decrease in activation energy. Combustion tests demonstrated a 48.1% increase in burning rate, a 35.0% increase in flame area, and a 45.8% increase in luminescence intensity, which may be attributed to improved charge transfer and gas diffusion facilitated by interfacial synergy between the two components. This work offers a strategy for designing high-performance catalysts via interfacial engineering, with promising potential for broad applications in fuel energy modulation.