Synthesis of Small‐Scale Boron‐Rich Nano‐Size Particles

The synthesis times required to produce high energy density compounds (C₂B₄H₂)_n and (C₂B₁₀H₄)_n by gas phase pyrolysis of the carboranes C₂B₄H₆ and C₂B₁₀H₁₂, respectively, have been measured at 1150–2000 K and carborane pressures of (0.3–3.0)⋅10⁻³ MPa. Kinetic model simulations of the synthesis have been performed. The temperatures, carborane pressures, and synthesis times required to produce small‐scale (C₂B₄H₂)_n and (C₂B₁₀H₄)_n particles of 10 to 30 nm diameter are determined.