High energy release boron-based material with oxygen vacancies promoting combustion

Abstract

Boron has a high calorific value and good application prospects in energetic materials. However, further applications of boron are hindered by its incomplete combustion. MoO3 has good catalytic properties, and its layered structure can provide good ion flow channels and embedding positions. In this study, mechanical mixtures of B/MoO3 and B/Mo were prepared. The promotion of B combustion by MoO3 and Mo was confirmed via combustion heat and burning rate tests. The mechanism by which Mo/MoO3 promote B combustion was studied by thermal analysis, high-temperature in situ X-ray diffraction, X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy, and Raman spectroscopy. The maximum heat release and burning rate of B/MoO3 and B/Mo were 2.49 and 2.62 and 2.67 and 2.55 times, respectively, those of raw boron. A pre-ignition reaction occurred when boron first came into contact with the surface of MoO3. The oxygen vacancies on the MoO3 surface served as reaction sites for boron. MoO3 promoted the combustion of B by opening up oxygen channels and improving the oxygen transport capability. Mo also effectively promoted boron combustion. B/Mo and B/MoO3 have promising future applications as high energy release materials.