Nano-explosion synthesis of multi-component ceramic nano-composites

Here we demonstrate a unique processing technique which is based on engineering multi-component ceramic nanopowders and composites with precise morphology by nano-explosive deagglomeration/calcination. Multiple nano-explosions of impregnated cyclotrimethylene trinitramine deagglomerate the nanopowder due to the highly energetic impacts of the blast waves, while the solid-solubility of one component into the other is enhanced by the extremely high local temperature generated during the nano-explosions. We applied this technique to produce nanosize agglomerate-free ceria-gadolinia solid solution powder with uniform morphology and an average aggregate size of 32 nm, and 8 mol% yttria-doped zirconia aggregates with an average size of 53 nm impregnated with platinum (2-14 nm).