Template synthesis of copper azide primary explosive through Cu2O@HKUST-1 core-shell composite prepared by “bottle around ship” method

Abstract

Copper azide (CA), as a primary explosive with high energy density, has not been practically used so far because of its high electrostatic sensitivity. The Cu2O@HKUST-1 core-shell structure hybrid material was synthesized by the “bottle around ship” methodology in this research by regulating the dissolution rate of Cu2O and the generation rate of metal-organic framework (MOF) materials. Cu2O@HKUST-1 was carbonized to form a CuO@porous carbon (CuO@PC) composite material. CuO@PC was synthesized into a copper azide (CA) @PC composite energetic material through a gas-solid phase in-situ azidation reaction. CA is encapsulated in PC framework, which acts as a nanoscale Faraday cage, and its excellent electrical conductivity prevents electrostatic charges from accumulating on the energetic material's surface. The CA@PC composite energetic material has a CA content of 89.6%, and its electrostatic safety is nearly 30 times that of pure CA (1.47 mJ compared to 0.05 mJ). CA@PC delivers an outstanding balance of safety and energy density compared to similar materials.

Keywords

• Composite energetic materials
• Copper azide
• Carbonization
• Template method
• Core-shell composite
• Electrostatic safety