Aluminum core-shell nanoparticles synthesis, properties, and applications

This study offers an remarkable example of the ability to synthesize and tune the reactivity of Aluminum nanoparticles. Sonochemical synthesis combined with the application of the particle coating process in situ offers not only the way to stabilize the nano-sized Al but also the capability to alter physical and chemical properties of the material. It was observed in this study that the capping agent can affect nanoparticle formation and control parameters such as morphology and composition of the resulting nanoparticles, while certain agents offer the ability to control size via the concentration. Although no universal standards for measuring stability have been established to date, the sonochemically produced particles demonstrated no major physical and chemical changes when exposed to a variety of solvents for an extended period of time, but completely decomposed in water. This has led to the new, unexplored in the past, properties of catalyzing the hydrogen production from water without the need for any reaction promoters or external energy. In conclusion, the particles studied in this research project were shown to have unusual properties, dictated by their unique structure, with enhanced stability and new catalytic behavior. The results reported in this thesis are believed to contribute to the progress of incorporating nanoscale additives into energetic formulations and advance the overall knowledge in the field of nanoenergetic materials. Further studies will help elucidate mechanisms of particle formation and potentially lead to the development of novel advanced processes and applications on the nanoscale