Copper Azide Nanoparticle-Encapsulating MOF-Derived Porous Carbon: Electrochemical Preparation for High-Performance Primary Explosive Film

It is highly desired but still remains challenging to design a primary explosive-based nanoparticle-encapsulated conductive skeleton for the development of powerful yet safe energetic films employed in miniaturized explosive systems. Herein, a proof-of-concept electrochemical preparation of metal-organic frameworks (MOFs) derived porous carbon embedding copper-based azide (Cu(N-3)(2) or CuN3, CA) nanoparticles on copper substrate is described. A Cu-based MOF, i.e., Cu-BTC is fabricated based on anodized Cu(OH)(2) nanorods, as a template, to achieve CA/C film through pyrolysis and electrochemical azidation. Such a CA/C film, which is woven by numerous ultrafine nanofibers, favorably demonstrates excellent energy release (945-2090 J g(-1)), tunable electrostatic sensitivity (0.22-1.39 mJ), and considerable initiation ability. The performance is superior to most reported primary explosives, since the CA nanoparticles contribute to high brisance and the protection of the porous carbon network. Notably, the growth mechanism of the CA/C film is further disclosed by detailed experimental investigation and density functional theory (DFT) calculation. This work will offer new insight to design and develop a CA-based primary explosive film for applications in advanced explosive systems.

Automated summary

In this study, a nanoparticle-encapsulated conductive skeleton based on primary explosives was successfully developed for use in miniaturized explosive systems. The resulting CA/C film demonstrated superior performance in energy release, sensitivity, and initiation ability compared to most reported primary explosives.