In situ transformable Co-ZIF as a high-efficiency catalyst for amplifying ammonium perchlorate decomposition

Zeolitic imidazolate framework (ZIF) address the longstanding challenge in ammonium perchlorate (AP) catalysis by simultaneously enhancing catalytic performance and heat release, owing to their high specific surface area, abundant nitrogen-rich ligands, and unique metal dispersion architecture. In this study, various metal-incorporated ZIFs were synthesized via a classical method, among which Co-ZIF exhibited optimal catalytic activity. Performance evaluations demonstrated that Co-ZIF significantly reduced the high-temperature decomposition peak by 171.4 °C (from 471.4 °C for pure AP to 300.0 °C). The activation energy ( E a ) decreased from 301.8 kJ·mol −1 to 169.9 kJ·mol −1 . Notably, the nitrogen-rich ligands within ZIFs contributed substantial heat release during AP decomposition (increasing from 888.3 J·g −1 to 2066.8 J·g −1 ). Through TG/DTG, XRD, FT-IR, and Raman analyses of the Co-ZIF + AP composite system at 280, 290, and 300 °C, we elucidated the in-situ pyrolysis process of Co-ZIF during AP thermal decomposition. The investigation confirmed the progressive decomposition of Co-ZIF and the in-situ formation of Co 3 O 4 /N-doped carbon composites, which actively participated in catalyzing AP decomposition. Based on these findings, a stage-specific catalytic mechanism was proposed, providing new insights for the application of MOF materials in AP decomposition research.