Reactive Metal Nanopowders via Wet Sonochemical Methods

Techniques have been developed for the wet sonochemical synthesis and stabilization of single, as well as mixed-metal, reactive metal nanopowders (RMNPs) that exhibit unique characteristics, including combined high energy density and relative stability towards handling in non-inert environments under ambient conditions. Processes have been developed for making various RMNPs, including those containing early transition metals, such as Ti, Zr, and Hf, as well as other high-energy elements, such as Al, B, C, and H. The focus of each process design is on the appropriate selection of starting materials, solvent, process conditions, byproduct salt removal, and powder post-processing techniques to obtain final product powders with the most desirable characteristics. Experiments examining the combustion of select RMNPs show unique and interesting burn characteristics.