Preparation and characterization of copper azide nanowire array

In this paper, preparation and characterization of a copper azide nanowire array were performed. Cu nanowire arrays were previously fabricated within the pores of porous anodic aluminum oxide (AAO) template by a direct voltage electrodeposition method at room temperature. Then the AAO template was dissolved in a 1 M NaOH solution for 30 min and carefully rinsed with deionized water. The available Cu nanowires were then in-situ reacted with HN3, which was produced by heating stearic acid and NaN3, for 10–20 h and Cu nanowires were transformed into copper azide, maintaining an ordered and oriented nanostructure. The copper azide nanostructure was characterized by SEM and XRD, and DSC was used to study the thermal decomposition of the copper azide.

► Nanostructure manipulating and shape controlling technology in the field of nanotechnology was used to fabricate primer explosive nanocrystals. ► Cu azide nanowires possess an orthorhombic structure of cupric azide and exhibit a preferred orientation of (110) planes. ► Novel approach removes need for synthesis, handling, loading, transportation and storage of bulk ultra fine EM powders, and is compatible for MEMs production. ► Above introduced nanostructure and production approach has a potential application in micro-detonators.