Graphene oxide/cellulose/Co composite carbon aerogel as an effective catalyst for ammonium perchlorate

Ammonium perchlorate (AP), as an oxidant and a main component in solid propulsion, has been of wide concern by researchers in recent years. However, problems, such as higher high-temperature decomposition peaks and nonconcentration of exothermic heat release, hinder its application. The addition of combustion catalysts can resolve these problems, but the small size of metals is prone to agglomeration and affects the performance of AP. Graphene oxide, which has a large specific surface area as a carrier, hydroxyethyl cellulose as an intercalating agent, cobalt nitrate as the three-dimensional porous carbon aerogel were prepared as catalyst for AP. The high-temperature decomposition peak of AP was greatly reduced by 116.5 K, which resulted in a great energy release.