Deprotonation-assisted electrochemical synthesis of copper nitrotriazole with excellent ignition performance

Electrochemical synthesis serves as a green and efficient method with great application potential. However, it has not been extensively applied in the synthesis of energetic materials. Nitrogen-rich heterocyclic compounds, as a new generation of energetic materials, enjoy advantages such as eco-friendliness, high energy output, and excellent safety performance. This study reports the electrochemical cathodic synthesis of copper nitrotriazole [Cu(NTz)₂] using copper chloride and 3-nitro-1,2,4-triazole as a reaction substrate and triethylamine as a deprotonation agent. The obtained Cu(NTz)₂ comprises uniform spherical particles of nano lamellae. As the dosage of triethylamine increased from 50 μL to 150 μL, Cu(NTz)₂ gradually grew into compact solid spherical particles, significantly increasing the energy output. Notably, the heat release increased from 711 J g⁻¹ to 1301 J g⁻¹, accompanied by a significant positive elevation of ignition performance and peak combustion pressure in the process of confined combustion. This greatly boosted the energetic performance of Cu(NTz)₂. Moreover, Cu(NTz)₂ demonstrates insensitivity to electrostatic discharge (E₅₀＞225 mJ) and friction (FS＞360 N), suggesting excellent safety performance. Owing to its outstanding energetic and safety performance, Cu(NTz)₂ boasts great potential for application as pyrotechnic compositions, including military gas-producing and incendiary agents. Moreover, it has been corroborated that Cu(NTz)₂ can be applied as a micro ignitor.