Fabrication of three-dimensional TKX-50 network-like nanostructures by liquid nitrogen-assisted spray freeze-drying method

ABSTRACT

Design and fabrication of micro- and nanostructures for energetic materials have attracted more attention recently to improve safety properties and enhance detonation performance. Exploring and developing dihydroxylammonium 5,5′-bistetrazole-1,1′-diolate (TKX-50) with unique microstructures, an emerging high-energy-density material with superior comprehensive properties, is of great significance for the potential applications. In this work, we reported that three-dimensional (3D) TKX-50 network-like nanostructures were designed and fabricated successfully via the liquid nitrogen-assisted spray freeze-drying method. Characterization results suggested 3D TKX-50 network-like nanostructures were constructed by self-assembly of small nanoparticles. Furthermore, a nucleation-and-growth self-assembly formation mechanism of the network-like nanostructures depended on the different concentrations of the aqueous solution of TKX-50 was proposed in detail based on the experimental results. More interestingly, thermal analysis results demonstrated these novel 3D TKX-50 network-like nanostructures are much easier to be activated and have a lower decomposition temperature than the raw material, due to decrease in particle sizes, and the impact sensitivity of 3D TKX-50 network-like nanostructures become more sensitive than that of raw TKX-50. Their friction sensitivity of as-prepared samples is similar to the raw materials. Therefore, this work could provide a new prospect for fabrication and application of TKX-50 nanostructures.