Electrophoretic Deposition and Characterization of Highly Exothermic Al/CuO Nanothermites

Based on the superior exothermic properties, Al/CuO nanothermites are considered as one of the most promising energetic materials in recent years. In this work, the CuO nanospheres with particle size of 100-120 nm were successfully synthesized by a simple solution route and subsequent heat treatment, and used as oxidizer of Al/CuO nanothermites. The electrophoretic deposition kinetics of Al/CuO nanothermites were investigated in detail. Then, the morphology and composition of the as-prepared Al/CuO nanothermites were characterized by means of scanning electron microscopy (SEM), X-ray diffraction (XRD), X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS), and spectrophotometry. The results show that the electrophoretic deposition behavior of Al/CuO nanothermites is controlled by diffusion. Furthermore, there is a linear relationship between the equivalent ratio in the suspension (Phi(d)) and the deposited film (Phi(s)). The Phi(d) can be precisely adjusted by changing the electrophoresis parameters. When the equivalent ratio of Al/CuO nanothermites in the suspension is 1.5, the heat release of the sample can reach up to 1977 J/g. This work provides a new strategy for the preparation of nanothermites by electrophoretic deposition.

Automated summary

CuO nanospheres with particle size of 100-120 nm were synthesized and used as oxidizer of Al/CuO nanothermites. The electrophoretic deposition method allows for precise adjustment of equivalent ratio, with a heat release of up to 1977 J/g achieved when the equivalent ratio is 1.5.