In situ synthesis of three-dimensional graphene skeleton copper azide with tunable sensitivity performance

In this work, a series of three-dimensional graphene skeleton copper azide (3D GS@CA) composites with tunable sensitivity performance is designed by using 3D graphene as a skeleton and in situ azidation of Cu nanoparticles under NH₃ atmosphere. In this architecture, CA particles uniformly distributed in the 3D graphene skeleton can effectively prevent the aggregation of CA and inhibit CA grains forming a sea urchin-like structure during azidation. The CA maintained a smooth surface that can ensure the appropriate mechanical sensitivity. Owing to unique transport properties, the 3D graphene network interconnected with CA nanoparticles enables better contact between them, thereby facilitating heat transfer during the reaction and accelerating thermal decomposition of CA. In addition, the electrostatic sensitivity of 3D GS@CA also shows significant improvement by easily tuning the mass ratio of CA in the composite. Given these advantages, 3D GS@CA as a primary explosive exhibited great potential application in miniaturized explosive systems.