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.