Surface-Functionalized Boron Nanoparticles with Reduced Oxide Content by Nonthermal Plasma Processing for Nanoenergetic Applications

The development of an in situ nonthermal plasma technology improved the oxidation and energy release of boron nanoparticles. We reduced the native oxide layer on the surface of boron nanoparticles (70 nm) by treatment in a nonthermal hydrogen plasma, followed by the formation of a passivation barrier by argon plasma-enhanced chemical vapor deposition (PECVD) using perfluorodecalin (C10F18). Both processes occur near room temperature, thus avoiding aggregation and sintering of the nanoparticles. High-resolution transmission electron microscopy (HRTEM), high-angular annular dark-field imaging (HAADF)-scanning TEM (STEM)-energy dispersive spectroscopy (EDS), and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) demonstrated a significant reduction in surface oxide concentration due to hydrogen plasma treatment and the formation of a 2.5 nm thick passivation coating on the surface due to PECVD treatment. These results correlated with the thermal analysis results, which demonstrated a 19% increase in energy release and an increase in metallic boron content after 120 min of hydrogen plasma treatment and 15 min of PECVD of perfluorodecalin. The PECVD coating provided excellent passivation against air and humidity for 60 days. We conclude in situ nonthermal plasma reduction and passivation lead to the amelioration of energy release characteristics and the storage life of boron nanoparticles, benefits conducive for nanoenergetic applications.

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Work Title Surface-Functionalized Boron Nanoparticles with Reduced Oxide Content by Nonthermal Plasma Processing for Nanoenergetic Applications
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Open Access
Creators
  1. Prawal P.K. Agarwal
  2. Devon Jensen
  3. Chien Hua Chen
  4. Robert M. Rioux
  5. Themis Matsoukas
License In Copyright (Rights Reserved)
Work Type Article
Publisher
  1. ACS applied materials & interfaces
Publication Date February 10, 2021
Publisher Identifier (DOI)
  1. https://doi.org/10.1021/acsami.0c20825
Deposited November 21, 2021

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Version 1
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  • Created
  • Added ACS_AM_I_2021__preprint_.pdf
  • Added Creator Prawal P.K. Agarwal
  • Added Creator Devon Jensen
  • Added Creator Chien Hua Chen
  • Added Creator Robert M. Rioux
  • Added Creator Themis Matsoukas
  • Published
  • Updated
  • Updated
  • Updated