Core–Shell Magnesium–Fluorocarbon Particles with Enhanced Ignition via a Plasma-Driven In-Flight Coating Process

The combustion of metallic nanoparticles can be improved by carefully engineering their surface. This approach provides a broad range of opportunities to overcome the limitations introduced by native oxide layers. Here, we discuss the case of nanoparticles composed of a magnesium core with a fluorine-rich carbon shell. The core–shell structures are realized by leveraging the advantageous properties of low-temperature plasmas. These systems enable the deposition of a conformal coating on the metallic core. The process parameters can be controlled to prevent alloy formation during the synthesis step and to achieve an abrupt interface between the metal and the fluorocarbon layer. Upon heating, the highly exothermic reaction between the magnesium core and the fluorine-rich shell accelerates the combustion process, resulting in a decrease in the ignition temperature. This mechanism is conclusively confirmed by in situ XRD measurements, which show excellent correlation with calorimetry measurements. This study highlights the potential of advanced synthesis techniques for creating energetic structures with precisely controlled properties.