Perchlorate-type energetic coordination compounds: A new strategy for breaking the energy-sensitivity trade-off of energetic materials

  • Chao Zhang
  • , Tingwei Wang
  • , Shaoqun Li
  • , Zujia Lu
  • , Cong Li
  • , Meiqi Xu
  • , Qiyao Yu*
  • , Jianguo Zhang*
  • *Corresponding author for this work

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

Abstract

The field of energetic materials has long been constrained by a fundamental challenge known as the "energy-sensitivity trade-off". Although energetic coordination compounds (ECCs) offer a viable pathway to address this dilemma, achieving high energy output, low sensitivity, and superior laser ignition performance within a single-component material remains a formidable challenge. This study introduces a novel “perchlorate-type ECCs” design strategy, which integrates additional oxidative perchlorate anions (ClO4) into the coordination framework via hydrogen-bond-driven self-assembly to construct a unique dual structure of "perchlorate salt+coordination compound". Based on this approach, six novel Ag(I)/Cu(II)-based ECCs were successfully synthesized using 1H-pyrazole-4-carbohydrazide ligands modified with electron-donating groups (methyl, amino, hydroxy). Single-crystal structural analysis confirmed the successful realization of the target dual structure in [Ag(3-APZ-CA)(ClO4)2]n, Ag(3-APZ-CA)2(ClO4)3, Cu(3-APZ-CA)2(ClO4)4. The design exhibits synergistic effects: (1) enhancing energy output by increasing oxygen balance, leading to higher detonation velocity (D > 7.4 km/s) and detonation pressure (P > 30.2 GPa); (2) reducing sensitivity, as protonated ligands and extra ClO4 provide abundant hydrogen-bond donors and acceptors, forming an extended intermolecular interaction network that desensitizes the materials. Furthermore, the dual-structural ECCs exhibit ultralow ignition energy thresholds under 808 nm (e.g., ECC-5 requires only 12 mJ) and achieve rapid deflagration-to-detonation transition (DDT), ensuring reliable initiation to RDX. This work not only develops a series of high-performance perchlorate-type ECCs but, more importantly, firstly provides a systematic strategy to overcome the energy-sensitivity trade-off.

Original languageEnglish
JournalDefence Technology
DOIs
Publication statusAccepted/In press - 2026
Externally publishedYes

Keywords

  • Dual structure
  • Energetic coordination compounds
  • Energetic materials
  • Laser-ignitable

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