The large heat release predicted in the investigations of Al NPs used in solid-state propulsion and pyrotechnics has been offset by hindered diffusion-limited detonation rates due to excess oxide shell formations and surface area loss from aggregations.

This study, published in Applied Surface Science, unveils the synthesis-structure-property relations in LASiS-based manufacturing of energetic nanocapsules within graphitic shells that are safe to handle and can undergo kinetically controlled spontaneous energy release under desired conditions.