The effect of LaFeO3@MnO2 on the thermal behavior of energetic compounds: An efficient catalyst with core-shell structure.

LaFeO 3 @MnO 2 with core-shell structure shows an efficiently catalytic effect for the thermal decomposition of energetic compounds. • The core-shell structured LaFeO 3 @MnO 2 was synthesized using solvothermal method. • The special core-shell structure provides high dispersibility and large surface area. • The produced charge carriers in LaFeO 3 @MnO 2 can accelerate the thermolysis of AP. • LaFeO 3 @MnO 2 shows excellent catalytic effects on thermolysis of energetic compounds. Large particle size and low specific surface area are two major factors of restricting metal oxides as combustion catalyst with high performance. The construction of three-dimensional (3D) heterojunction materials with synergistic effect is conducive to enhancing the catalytic activity. In this work, LaFeO 3 were prepared by a facile solvo-thermal method and post-heat treament. However, the LaFeO 3 with a large particle size shows poor specific surface area, resulting in a low catalytic activity. In order to improve its catalytic activity, a 3D core/shell heterostructured LaFeO 3 @MnO 2 composite was constructed by coupling LaFeO 3 with MnO 2. The core-shell structured LaFeO 3 @MnO 2 provides a larger specific surface area and high catalytic effect on the thermal decomposition of ammonium perchlorate (AP) with a reduced decomposition temperature from 403.73 °C to 281.38 °C, an enhanced energy release from 649.6 J·g−1 to 966.5 J·g−1, and a decreased apparent activation energy from 139.05 kJ·mol−1 to 110.88 kJ·mol−1. Additionally, LaFeO 3 @MnO 2 also shows efficient catalytic effects on the thermal decomposition of hexanitrohexaazaisowurzitane (CL-20) and cyclotetramethylenetetranitramine (HMX). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]