Nanoenergetic Materials: Enhanced Energy Release from Boron by Aluminum Nanoparticle Addition

[Image: see text] Boron has the highest enthalpy of oxidation per unit mass (and volume) among metals and metalloids and is an excellent candidate as a solid fuel. However, the native oxide present on the surface limits the available energy and rate of its release during oxidation. Here, we report a simple and effective method that removes the oxide in situ during oxidation via an exothermic thermite reaction with aluminum that enriches the particle in B at the expense of Al. B/Al blends with different compositions are optimized using thermogravimetry and differential scanning calorimetry, and the best sample in terms of energy release is characterized by high-resolution transmission electron microscopy, X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy, energy-dispersive spectroscopy, and X-ray diffraction. All compositions release more energy than the individual components, and the blend containing 10% Al by weight outperforms pure B by 40%. The high energy release is due to the synergistic effect of B oxidation and thermite reaction between Al and B(2)O(3). We demonstrate the formation of ternary oxide by the oxidation of the B/Al blend that provides porous channels for the oxidation of B, thereby maximizing the contact of the metal and oxidizer. Overall, the results demonstrate the potential of using B/Al blends to improve the energetic performance of B.