Enabling nanoenergetic materials with integrated microelectronics and MEMS platforms

This paper reports our findings in novel enabling high-energy-density nanostructured materials for micro-propulsion and other applications. In order to ensure the overall functionality, the system-level solution is achieved by integrating of synthesized nanoenergetic materials using microelectromechanical systems (MEMS). The MEMS solution provides high performance and enabling systems capabilities, while nanoenergetic materials guarantee safety, high stored energy capacity, high specific energy, stability, high energy and gas release rates, complete burning, etc. The system-level design and integration of self-assembled nanoenergetic materials by using MEMS imply development of NanoEnergetic MEMS Platforms. These systems have a wide range of applications, such as various explosives, propulsion systems, etc. The proposed nanoenergetic materials improve the overall power and energetic capabilities due to: 1. High stored energy, which reaches up to 25.7 kJ/cm³; 2. Ability to vary and refine properties of devised materials by adjusting molecular structure, enthalpy, stoichiometry, porosity and density; 3. Stability, compatibility, robust packaging and safety. Our studies indicate that the synthesized Al/Bi₂O₃ and Al/I₂O₅ nanocomposites ensure energy release and generate transient pressure impulses which are three times higher than traditional nano-thermite reactive mixtures. We address and provide systems-level design solutions solving integration, packaging, diagnostics, control and other problems