Zirconium 3,5-dinitrosalicylate (DNS-Zr) was synthesized firstly by using 3,5-dinitrosalicylic acid, zirconyl nitrate and sodium hydroxide as raw materials. Its structure was characterized by elementary analysis, X-ray fluorescence diffraction and FTIR spectra. The thermal behavior and decomposition mechanism of DNS-Zr in a temperature-programmed mode were investigated by means of TG-DTG, DSC and condensed phase thermolysis/FTIR techniques. The decomposition products of DNS-Zr are ZrO₂ and C. The sample of propellants containing DNS-Zr were prepared by extrusion technology, and the effects of DNS-Zr on combustion properties of DB/CMDB propellants were investigated. Results show that the catalytic efficiency of DNS-Zr is 10%-20%.