Simple preparation of ZnO superstructures self-assembled by hexagonal prisms and their superb catalytic activity in the pyrolysis of ammonium perchlorate

•ZnO superstructures self-assembled by hexagonal prisms were prepared by a simple and direct pyrolysis method.•ZnO superstructures play an important role in accelerating the AP pyrolysis.•The excellent catalytic properties could be attributed to the oxygen vacancies existed in ZnO superstructures.