In this report, we aim to develop and execute synthetic strategies for passivating and capping small (&lt;100 nm diameter) aluminum nanoparticles (Al NPs) with environmentally responsive polymers (poly(methyl methacrylate) (PMMA) and poly(N-isopropylacrylamide) (PNIPAM)). The synthesized materials demonstrate good air stability, retaining high active aluminum content for many weeks after exposure under ambient air. Upon exposure to external physical stimulus (photolytic or thermolytic) the cap can be opened allowing aqueous solution to easily react with the aluminum cores and generating hydrogen gas. Powder X-ray diffraction (PXRD) and fourier transform infrared with total attenuated reflection (ATR-FTIR) spectroscopy confirms the crystalline aluminum cores and the presence of polymer cap as well as its polymer degradation. The Al NPs also characterized by differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) coupled with thermogravimetric analysis (TGA) in order to study the thermal profiles for polymer combustion and metal ignition exotherms. Photolysis times of 1, 6, 24 and 52 hours were investigated in order to establish a minimum UV exposure time for the activation of the PMMA-Al NPs toward hydrolytic hydrogen gas generator. Different protection schemas were investigated to synthesis PNIPAM-Al NPs. Temperature varied TEM was also used to visualize the PNIPAM-Al NPs at different temperature. The results prove our concept that the energy stored in the material can be switch on when exposed to an appropriate environmental stimulus.<br/>

Investigations of using environmentally responsive polymers as capping materials for aluminum nanoparticles

253rd National Meeting (2017)

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