Enhancing the Energy Release Performance of Al/CuO Nanothermites through Hierarchical Structure

The objective of this study is to enhance the mixing uniformity and contact efficiency between nano-Al and oxidizers through structural control, while suppressing the “pre – ignition fusion” effect of nanothermites. We employed biotemplate approach, utilizing Lycopodium japonicum Thunb. spores (LP) and Papilio maackii wings (PW) as sacrificial templates, to successfully fabricate hierarchically structured Al/PW-CuO and Al/LP-CuO nanothermites. At a stoichiometric ratio of Ф = 1.5, Al/PW-CuO exhibited the highest heat release of 2278.00 J/g, whereas Al/LP-CuO also achieved a substantial heat release of 1969.08 J/g. These outstanding performances are attributed to the unique structures of PW-CuO and LP-CuO, especially the spine-like plate structure of PW-CuO, which provides more reaction sites, thereby enhancing spatial utilization and heat release efficiency. This study provides new insights for the design and application of highly active nanoenergetic materials.