Morphology-Engineered AlCo2O4 Nanotubes via Cotton Biotemplate for Enhanced Catalytic Decomposition of Ammonium Perchlorate

A feasible strategy for optimizing catalytic activity can be achieved via the design and development of microstructures in nanomaterials. This paper used cotton as a biological template to prepare AlCo 2 O 4 nanotubes by solution combustion method, and systematically investigated the influence of different sintering temperatures (X=350,400,450 °C) on their morphology. Ultimately, AlCo 2 O 4 catalytic materials with nanotube structures were successfully prepared, and the incorporation of cotton demonstrated favorable supporting and dispersing effects. The larger specific surface area and pore volume endow the AlCo 2 O 4 -X(X=350, 400, 450 °C) catalytic materials with excellent catalytic performance for the thermal decomposition of the AP. Specifically, AlCo 2 O 4 -350 reduced the high-temperature decomposition temperature ( T HTD )(from 473.48 °C to 298.45 °C, a decrease of 175.03 °C) and simultaneously increased the heat release (from 888.26 J/g to 2063.88 J/g). Furthermore, a mixture formed by AP with the catalyst containing 7% AlCo₂O₄-350 exhibited an ignition delay time shortened to 11 ms under a 34 V laser ignition voltage for composite solid propellants. These outstanding catalytic effects significantly enhance the application potential of AP in composite solid propellants.