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Core–shell-structured nanothermites synthesized by atomic layer deposition

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Abstract

Thermite materials feature very exothermic solid-state redox reactions. However, the energy release rates of traditional thermite mixtures are limited by the reactant diffusion velocities. In this work, atomic layer deposition (ALD) is utilized to synthesize thermite materials with greatly enhanced reaction rates. By depositing certain types of metal oxides (oxidizers) onto a commercial Al nanopowder, core–shell-structured nanothermites can be produced. The average film deposition rate on the Al nanopowder is 0.17 nm/cycle for ZnO and 0.031 nm/cycle for SnO2. The thickness of the oxidizer layer can be precisely controlled by adjusting the ALD cycle number. The compositions, morphologies, and structures of the ALD nanothermites are characterized by X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy, scanning electron microscopy, and high-resolution transmission electron microscopy. The characterization results reveal nearly perfect coverage of the Al nanoparticles by uniform ALD oxidizer layers and confirm the formation of core–shell nanoparticles. Combustion properties of the nanothermites are probed by laser ignition technique. Reactions of the core–shell-structured nanothermites are several times faster than the mixture of nanopowders. The promoted reaction rate is mostly attributed to the uniform distribution of reactants on the nanometer scale. These core–shell-structured nanothermites provide a potential pathway to control and enhance thermite reactions.

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Abbreviations

ALD:

Atomic layer deposition

O/F:

Oxidizer to fuel ratio

XPS:

X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy

SEM:

Scanning electron microscopy

EDS:

Energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy

HRTEM:

High-resolution transmission electron microscopy

XRD:

X-ray diffraction

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Acknowledgments

This research is supported by Technology Foundation for Selected Overseas Chinese Scholars provided by Ministry of Personnel of the People’s Republic of China. The authors sincerely appreciate Dr. Fengqi Zhao, Dr. Xuezhong Fan, and Mr. Ting An at Science and Technology on Combustion and Explosion Laboratory, Xi’an Modern Chemistry Research Institute for discussions on the combustion properties of nanothermites.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Xi’an Modern Chemistry Research Institute, 168 E. Zhangba Road, Xi’an, 710065, Shaanxi, People’s Republic of China

    Lijun Qin, Ting Gong, Haixia Hao, Keyong Wang & Hao Feng

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  1. Lijun Qin
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  2. Ting Gong
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  3. Haixia Hao
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  4. Keyong Wang
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  5. Hao Feng
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Correspondence to Hao Feng.

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Qin, L., Gong, T., Hao, H. et al. Core–shell-structured nanothermites synthesized by atomic layer deposition. J Nanopart Res 15, 2150 (2013). https://doi.org/10.1007/s11051-013-2150-z

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