Synthesis, Analysis, and Characterization of Aluminum Nanoparticles Coated with 2,2,4-Trimethylpentane

In this study, to solve the problem of low activity of aluminum nanoparticles in combustion, aluminum nanoparticles were coated with 2,2,4-trimethylpentane (C8H18-Al), enabling the deactivation of aluminum nanoparticles to be effectively inhibited. The morphological characteristics, particle size distribution, chemical state, and thermal properties of C8H18-Al were characterized via SEM, TEM, DLS, XPS, and TG-DSC. The stability and energy performance of C8H18-Al were studied based on the national standard test method. The results showed that C8H18-Al had a typical shell–core structure with a smooth surface and good sphericity. The particle size was normally distributed, and the content of active aluminum nanoparticles was high (85.45%), with good thermal stability and a fast energy release rate (about four times that of ordinary nano aluminum particles). The results demonstrated that an in situ C8H18 coating is beneficial for the preparation of structurally stable aluminum nanoparticle composites with good performance.