MoS2 stabilize Ti3C2 MXene for excellent catalytic effect of thermal decomposition of ammonium perchlorate

Ammonium perchlorate (AP), the most widely used oxidizer in energetic materials, is crucial for studying catalytic thermal decomposition. Newly discovered Ti₃C₂ MXene and MoS₂ demonstrating promising prospects in the field of the pyrolysis catalyst in AP. In this study, we employed a hydrothermal method to anchor nano-sized MoS₂ in situ on the surface of Ti₃C₂ MXene, leading to the fabrication of MoS₂-Ti₃C₂ nanocomposites. Various characterizations indicated that MoS₂ was attached to the surface and edges of Ti₃C₂, thereby enhancing the stability and conductivity. Results revealed that upon the addition of 4 wt% MoS₂-Ti₃C₂, the low-temperature decomposition peak of AP reduced from 331.2 °C to 296.6 °C, while the high-temperature decomposition peak advanced from 427.5 °C to 387.1 °C, showing a superior catalytic effect compared to the individual MoS₂ or Ti₃C₂. Additionally, the catalytic mechanism of MoS₂-Ti₃C₂ on the thermal decomposition of AP may involve enhanced electrical conductivity, facilitating rapid proton transfer (H⁺), accelerated redox reactions, prompt release of gas products, and thereby expediting the progression of the decomposition reaction. Consequently, it can be anticipated that anchoring MoS₂ on the surface of Ti₃C₂ represents an effective strategy for enhancing the catalytic activity of Ti₃C₂ MXene towards the thermal decomposition of AP.