Core–shell-structured nanothermites synthesized by atomic layer deposition

Thermite materials feature very exothermic solid-state redox reactions. However, the energy release rates of traditional thermite mixtures are limited by the reactant diffusion velocities. In this work, atomic layer deposition (ALD) is utilized to synthesize thermite materials with greatly enhanced reaction rates. By depositing certain types of metal oxides (oxidizers) onto a commercial Al nanopowder, core–shell-structured nanothermites can be produced. The average film deposition rate on the Al nanopowder is 0.17 nm/cycle for ZnO and 0.031 nm/cycle for SnO2. The thickness of the oxidizer layer can be precisely controlled by adjusting the ALD cycle number. The compositions, morphologies, and structures of the ALD nanothermites are characterized by X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy, scanning electron microscopy, and high-resolution transmission electron microscopy. The characterization results reveal nearly perfect coverage of the Al nanoparticles by uniform ALD oxidizer layers and confirm the formation of core–shell nanoparticles. Combustion properties of the nanothermites are probed by laser ignition technique. Reactions of the core–shell-structured nanothermites are several times faster than the mixture of nanopowders. The promoted reaction rate is mostly attributed to the uniform distribution of reactants on the nanometer scale. These core–shell-structured nanothermites provide a potential pathway to control and enhance thermite reactions.