Electrostatically self-assembled nanocomposite reactive microspheres

Nanocomposite reactive microspheres with diameters of ∼1-5 μm were created via electrostatic self-assembly of aluminum and cupric oxide nanoparticles. The ability to utilize this novel approach of bottom-up assembly to create these reactive materials allows for the potential for a more intimate mixture between the two nanoreactants and, thus, an overall more energetic combustion process. Experiments with the self-assembled material demonstrate the ability to achieve ignition and sustain a combustion wave in rectangular microchannels, which does not occur with material having similar amounts of organics mixed via the traditional sonication method.