MOF-derived nano-additives in solid propellants: a systematic review of structure-controlled thermal decomposition and combustion behavior

Metal–organic frameworks (MOFs) have emerged as structurally programmable precursors for nano-additives that address persistent limitations of conventional solid propellant catalysts, such as agglomeration and fixed activation timing. Unlike pre-formed nanoparticles, MOF-templated additives encode spatial organization at the precursor stage, enabling controlled in situ transformation into catalytically active architectures during combustion. This study systematically reviews experimental evidence across diverse energetic systems, indicating that precursor-imprinted structural inheritance may strongly influence combustion behavior through sustained hierarchical porosity, enhanced interfacial contact, and moderated pressure sensitivity. MOF-derived additives frequently outperform conventional nano-oxides at equivalent metal loadings despite originating from micron-scale precursors. These confinement-driven mechanisms accelerate oxidizer decomposition, improve heat release, and enhance metal-fuel utilization. The findings of this study indicate that MOF-templated nano-additives function as structure-programmable combustion modifiers with potential as a platform for next-generation solid propellant design. Validation under realistic processing and motor-scale conditions remains necessary.