MXene Templated assembly of hierarchical Al/CuO/V2C nanothermite with excellent energy release efficiency and highly tunable performance

Nanothermite has gained significant attention for its exceptional energy release rate and reactivity, making it a promising material for energetic applications. However, nanoparticle agglomeration significantly hinders its energy release efficiency. To overcome this challenge, we developed an innovative bottom-up strategy and a straightforward preparation method to construct a hierarchical Al/CuO/V 2 C nanocomposite. This is achieved through the ordered self-assembly of Al and CuO nanoparticles in an ethanol suspension, using V 2 C MXene as a template. Our findings show that the Al/CuO/V 2 C nanocomposite exhibits distinct morphologies based on V 2 C concentration: nanosheets at lower concentrations and microspheres at higher concentrations. CuO and Al nanoparticles form the first and second layers outside the V 2 C, respectively, due to the interplay between electrostatic forces and covalent Cu-O-V bonds. This unique structure, along with high reactivity of V 2 C, enables complete Al oxidation, achieving a heat release of 3156.2 J g -1 with a 10 wt% V 2 C addition—seven times greater than the Al/CuO control group. The concentration-dependent structure allows for tunable energetic performance, from a rapid 3-ms deflagration to a prolonged 16-ms combustion. Reduced gas release enhances safety, paving the way for applications in microinitiators and advancing nanothermite technology.