Graphene-based Al-Bi2O3 nanoenergetic films by electrophoretic deposition

The combustion performance of aluminum-bismuth trioxide (Al/Bi
₂
O
₃
) nanoenergetic films with and without graphene additive prepared through electrophoretic deposition was evaluated. The role of graphene in minimizing phase separation and promoting self-assembly of Al and Bi
₂
O
₃
nanoparticles was investigated. The neat Al/Bi
₂
O
₃
films exhibited an average combustion wave speed of 206.0±30.0 m/s and energy release of 733±30 J/g. Incorporation of graphene improved average combustion wave speed to 244±8 m/s, raised energy release to 1071±23 J/g, and reduced the onset ignition temperature by 11±3°C in comparison to that of neat samples. The obtained results confirm that graphene is an appealing additive for nanoenergetic films produced by EPD.