Energetic nanoparticles are promising additives to enhance the energy content and combustion character of liquid fuels. Herein, we developed a mild and simple method to fabricate Al nanoparticles by decomposition of AlH<sub>3−</sub>Et<sub>2</sub>O. Several ligands including oleic acid, oleyl amine and trioctyl-phosphine oxide were used to control the particle size, and oleic acid was found to be the most effective. By controlling the concentration of oleic acid and synthesis temperature, uniform nanoparticles with extreme small size of 16 nm were obtained. Characterizations show the ligands were capped on the surface, preventing the overgrowth of particle and oxidation of surface when exposed to air. The synthesized Al nanoparticles have good dispensability in liquid fuel like JP-10 even after six months. Combustion and ignition test shows the presence of Al nanoparticles can improve ignition at low temperature by showing a shorter ignition delay, and enhance energy release by showing much brighter burning flame.

Aluminum nanoparticles as energy additive of jet fuel: Synthesis, stability, ignition, and propulsion performance

253rd National Meeting (2017)

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