Superior Energy Release of Ammonium Perchlorate Composites by Embedding Heterostructured Carbon Nanotube/Tricobalt Tetraoxide Thermal Conduction Pathways

To address the inherent challenge of low reaction efficiency arising from interfacial thermal resistance in composite energetic materials, this study proposes a synergistic strategy integrating engineered thermal conduction pathways with precision catalysis for achieving high-efficiency energy release in ammonium perchlorate (AP). Heterostructured carbon nanotube (CNT)/Co 3 O 4 was synthesized via in situ growth of Co 3 O 4 nanoclusters on CNTs, followed by embedding onto the AP surface through spray drying-suspension coating technology. Comprehensive characterization confirmed the effective anchoring, uniform distribution, and interfacial interactions of Co 3 O 4 . With only 1 wt% CNT/Co 3 O 4 loading, the high-temperature decomposition peak temperature of AP was dramatically reduced from 450.9 °C (pristine AP) to 310.7 °C, accompanied by a 24.3% enhancement in heat release and a substantial 64.8% reduction in activation energy. Combustion tests revealed a 72.6% increase in flame radiation intensity and a 2.3-fold acceleration in pressurization rate for AP@CNT/Co mixing with aluminum. Mechanistic studies elucidate a tripartite synergy: (a) CNT-derived thermal conduction pathways elevate thermal conductivity, (b) Co 3 O 4 facilitates proton/electron transfer and drives the oxidation of gaseous products toward higher-valent nitrogen oxides, and (c) surface microporosity accelerates heat/mass diffusion. This concerted action enables focused, rapid, and efficient energy release from AP. This work establishes a generic interfacial engineering paradigm for enhancing energy release efficiency in composite energetic materials.