Fabrication and characterization of aluminum nanoparticles entrapped in hollow polymer capsules

Abstract In this study, we report on the in situ synthesis of aluminum nanoparticles within the cavity of hollow polymer nanocapsules. A novel titanium (IV) benzyloxide initiator was synthesized within and trapped inside the nanocapsule. The initiator and nanocapsule complex formed a nano-reactor environment in which alane was decomposed to form the nanoparticles, producing reactive metal–polymer nanorattles. The synthetic protocol resulted in air-stable nanoparticles with crystalline active core sizes of 18–23 nm. Thermal analysis showed combustion and metal ignition exotherms associated with the presence of aluminum confirming successful fabrication of Al NPs. The ratio of active aluminum (Al 0 ) to total aluminum present in any oxidation state was determined to be 85 %.