Capping and Passivation of Aluminum Nanoparticles Using Alkyl-Substituted Epoxides

• DOI: 10.1021/la901822h
• Publication Date: 2009-07-07T17:31:14Z
• Authors: Stephen W. Chung; Elena A. Guliants; Christopher E. Bu...; Douglas W.. Hamme...; Yong Deng; Mark A. Burgers; Paul A. Jelliss; Steven W.. Buckner
• Keywords: Passivation; Aluminum Oxide

We report here on the synthesis and passivation of small (20-30 nm) aluminum nanoparticles using alkyl-substituted epoxides as capping agents. FTIR 13C NMR spectroscopy indicate that polymerize to form a polyether cap surfaces nanoparticles. Nanoparticles capped with epoxyhexane epoxydodecane are stable in air, but particles epoxyisobutane pyrophoric. TEM images show spherical Al particles. Powder X-ray diffraction shows presence crystalline Al. Titrimetric analysis core-shell nanostructures air reveals 96% total present is active (unoxidized) aluminum.