Synthesis of small-scale boron-rich nano-size particles

The synthesis times required to produce high energy density compounds (C2B4H2)(n) and (C2B10H4)(n) by gas phase pyrolysis of the carboranes C2B4H6 and C2B10H12, respectively, have been measured at 1150-2000 K and carborane pressures of (0.3-3.0).10(-3) MPa. Kinetic model simulations of the synthesis have been performed. The temperatures, carborane pressures, and synthesis times required to produce small-scale (C2B4H2)(n) and (C2B10H4)(n) particles of 10 to 30 nm diameter are determined.