Synthetic and Mechanistic Reactivity Studies of Low Oxidation State Aluminum Clusters and Particles for Energetic and Agent Defeat Applications
Abstract
The discovery of metal clusters (subnanometer-scale compounds containing a core of metal atoms surrounded by an organic outer shell) and the applications arising from their unique physical and chemical characteristics is an active field of academic research. Our DTRA funded research collaboration at the University of Maryland, Johns Hopkins University and the Naval Surface Warfare Center (NSWC-IHEODTD) is developing new methods to prepare and study new aluminum-based clusters for energetic applications. Our basic research program uses highly specialized instrumentation required to prepare and study these materials. To date, we have made and characterized small quantities of several aluminum clusters including the largest aluminum cluster compound -- a molecule with 77 aluminum atoms arranged in a series of shells. We have also investigated the basic properties of these materials, finding that they can be chemically compatible with chemical environments such as those in explosive fills and demonstrating these materials’ potential as formulation additives. We need energetic materials that have high energy density and a rapid kinetic release of that energy on combustion. Metal clusters have a great potential for that use. The targeted compounds can potentially surpass the current C-H-N-O energy densities, emit biocidal products such as HI during combustion and provide valuable fundamental information for important advances in C-WMD defeat technologies.
Document Details
- Document Type
- DoD Grant Award
- Publication Date
- Jun 29, 2016
- Source ID
- HDTRA11510031
Entities
People
- Bryan W Eichhorn
Organizations
- Defense Threat Reduction Agency
- University of Maryland