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Surface-Functionalized Boron Nanoparticles with Reduced Oxide Content by Nonthermal Plasma Processing for
Prawal P K Agarwal1, Devon Jensen2, Chien-Hua Chen2
1Department of Chemical Engineering, The Pennsylvania State University, University Park, Pennsylvania 16802, United States.
ACS Applied Materials & Interfaces
|January 29, 2021
Summary
Nonthermal plasma treatment significantly enhances boron nanoparticles
Area of Science:
- Materials Science
- Nanotechnology
- Plasma Physics
Background:
- Boron nanoparticles (BNPs) are crucial in nanoenergetics but suffer from native oxide layers that hinder performance.
- Oxidation reduces energy release and storage stability of BNPs.
Purpose of the Study:
- To develop an in situ nonthermal plasma technology to improve boron nanoparticle oxidation and energy release.
- To enhance the stability and performance of boron nanoparticles for nanoenergetic applications.
Main Methods:
- Reduced native oxide on 70 nm boron nanoparticles using nonthermal hydrogen plasma.
- Formed a passivation barrier using argon plasma-enhanced chemical vapor deposition (PECVD) with perfluorodecalin (C10F18).
- Characterized surface changes using HRTEM, HAADF-STEM-EDS, and XPS; analyzed thermal properties.
Main Results:
- Hydrogen plasma treatment significantly reduced surface oxide concentration.
- PECVD formed a 2.5 nm passivation coating, protecting nanoparticles from air and humidity for 60 days.
- Achieved a 19% increase in energy release and enhanced metallic boron content.
Conclusions:
- In situ nonthermal plasma reduction and passivation effectively improve boron nanoparticle energy release characteristics.
- The developed method enhances the storage life of boron nanoparticles, making them suitable for nanoenergetic applications.
