Constructing Zero-Valent Nanotwinned Copper for the Ignition of [BMIM]N(CN)2-H2O2 Green Propellant

Ionic liquid-H2O2 is a green hypergolic propellant system, and the poor self-ignition hinders its application. Herein, the stable zero-valent catalyst Cu nano-particle with twin boundaries (T-Cu) was synthesized. As the twin boundary regulates the electron micro-environment of the T-Cu surface, the electron transfer from the d electrons of Cu atom to the σ* anti-bonding orbital of H2O2 is intensified to create ·OH and ·OOH. The resulted free radicals possess strong oxidizing ability, and react violently with [BMIM]N(CN)2 to achieve a rapid ignition with the delay time as low as 25 ms. This work provides an effective way to get excellent ignition performance, and promotes the application of Ionic liquid-H2O2 green hypergolic propellants.