High‐Nitrogen‐Based Pyrotechnics: Perchlorate‐Free Red‐ and Green‐Light Illuminants Based on 5‐Aminotetrazole

Prototype testing of perchlorate‐free hand‐held signal illuminants for the US Army’s M126 A1 red‐star and M195 green‐star parachute illuminants are described. Although previous perchlorate‐free variants for these items have been developed based on high‐nitrogen compounds that are not readily available, the new formulations consist of anhydrous 5‐aminotetrazole as the suitable perchlorate replacement. Compared to the perchlorate‐containing control, the disclosed illuminants exhibited excellent stabilities toward various ignition stimuli and had excellent pyrotechnic performance. The illuminants are important from both military and civil fireworks perspectives, as the perchlorate‐free nature of the illuminants adequately address environmental concerns associated with perchlorate‐containing red‐ and green‐light‐emitting illuminants.     

The determination of periodate by infrared spectroscopy

An infrared method has been developed to determine periodate on the microgram scale. Periodate is precipitated in slightly acid solution with tetraphenylarsonium chloride and in presence of perchlorate as carrier. The precipitate is mixed with powdered potassium bromide and pressed into a disc. The base-line absorbance of the periodate band at 11.68 μ is calculated in order to find the concentration of periodate from a calibration curve. No interference is caused by perchlorate, permanganate, perrhenate, chlorate, iodate or bromate.     

Synthesis and Characterization of 3,5‐Diamino‐1,2,4‐triazolium Dinitramide

3,5‐Diamino‐1,2,4‐triazole ( 1 , guanozol) was protonated with diluted hydrochloric acid, nitric acid, as well as perchloric acid forming 3,5‐diamino‐1,2,4‐triazolium chloride hemihydrate ( 2 ), 3,5‐diamino‐1,2,4‐triazolium nitrate ( 3 ) and 3,5‐diamino‐1,2,4‐triazolium perchlorate ( 4 ), respectively. In a second step 4 reacted with potassium dinitramide forming 3,5‐diamino‐1,2,4‐triazolium dinitramide ( 5 ) and low soluble potassium perchlorate. Compounds 2 – 5 were characterized by low temperature single X‐ray diffraction, IR and Raman as well as multinuclear NMR spectroscopy, mass spectrometry and differential scanning calorimetry. The heats of formation of 1 – 5 were calculated by the CBS‐4M method to be 81.1 ( 1 ), 124.7 ( 2 ), –76.1 ( 3 ), –25.2 ( 4 ) and 138.7 ( 5 ) kJ·mol^–1. With these values as well as the X‐ray densities several detonation parameters were calculated using both computer codes EXPLO5.03 and EXPLO5.04. In addition, the sensitivities of 1 – 5 were determined by the BAM drophammer and friction tester as well as a small scale electrical discharge device.     

Theoretical Study of Energetic Complexes (III): Bis‐(5‐nitro‐2H‐tetrazolato‐N2)tetraammine Cobalt(III) Perchlorate (BNCP) and Its Transition Metal (Ni/Fe/Cu/Zn) Perchlorate Analogues

The geometric conformation and electronic structure of bis‐(5‐nitro‐2H‐tetrazolato‐N²)tetraammine cobalt(III) perchlorate and its Ni/Fe/Cu/Zn analogues are studied under the TPSS (Tao‐Perdew‐Staroverov‐Scuseria) levels of density functional theory in order to throw light on the relationship between their energy gaps and impact sensitivity. While the perchlorate ions are coordinated with the copper cation, which is different from the other four compounds. NBO (Natural bond orbital) analyses indicated that the metal‐ligand interaction in the Co complex is covalent, while the others are ionic. The analysis of the electrostatic potential demonstrated that the O atoms from the nitro‐tetrazole ring and perchlorate were primarily negative, while the other atoms were positive. The study was also conducted to gain a better understanding of the correlation of the energy gap and impact sensitivity.     

High‐Nitrogen‐Based Pyrotechnics: Development of Perchlorate‐Free Green‐Light Illuminants for Military and Civilian Applications

The development of perchlorate‐free hand‐held signal illuminants for the US Army’s M195 green star parachute is described. Compared with the perchlorate‐containing control, the optimized perchlorate‐free illuminants were less sensitive toward various ignition stimuli while offering comparable burn times and visible‐light outputs. The results were also important from the perspective of civilian fireworks because the development of perchlorate‐free illuminants remains an important objective of the commercial fireworks industry.     

Comparison of Multi‐walled Carbon Nanotubes and Poly(3‐octylthiophene) as Ion‐to‐Electron Transducers in All‐Solid‐State Potassium Ion‐Selective Electrodes

Multi‐walled carbon nanotubes (MWCNTs) were compared with poly(3‐octylthiophene) (POT) as ion‐to‐electron transducer in all‐solid‐state potassium ion‐selective electrodes with valinomycin‐based ion‐selective membranes. MWCNTs and POT were mixed with the other components of the potassium ion‐selective membrane cocktail (valinomycin, KTpClPB, o‐NPOE, PVC, THF) which was then applied on a glassy carbon (GC) substrate to prepare single‐piece ion‐selective electrodes (SPISEs). Results from potentiometric and impedance measurements showed that the MWCNT‐based electrodes have a more reproducuible standard potential and a lower overall impedance than the electrodes based on POT. Both types of electrodes showed similar sensitivity to potassium ions and no redox sensitivity.     

Electrocatalytic Reduction and Determination of Iodate and Periodate at Silicomolybdate‐Incorporated‐Glutaraldehyde‐ Cross‐Linked Poly‐L‐lysine Film Electrodes

The present work describes reduction of iodate (IO₃^?), and periodate (IO₄^?) at silicomolybdate‐doped‐glutaraldehyde‐cross‐linked poly‐L ‐lysine (PLL‐GA‐SiMo) film coated glassy carbon electrode in 0.1 M H₂SO₄. In our previous study, we were able to prepare the PLL‐GA‐SiMo film modified electrode by means of electrostatically trapping SiMo₁₂O₄₀^4? mediator in the cationic film of PLL‐GA, and the voltammetric investigation in pure supporting indicated that the charge transport through the film was fast. Here, the electrocatalytic activity of PLL‐GA‐SiMo film electrode towards iodate and periodate was tested and subsequently used for analytical determination of these analytes by amperometry. The two electron reduced species of SiMo₁₂O₄₀^4? anion was responsible for the electrocatalytic reduction of IO₃^? at PLL‐GA‐SiMo film electrode while two and six electron reduced species were showed electrocatalytic activity towards IO₄^? reduction. Under optimized experimental conditions of amperometry, the linear concentration range and sensitivity are 2.5×10^?6 to 1.1×10^?2 M and 18.47 μA mM^?1 for iodate, and 5×10^?6 to 1.43×10^?4 M and 1014.7 μA mM^?1 for periodate, respectively.     

Energetic Salts Based on an Oxygen‐Containing Cation: 2,4‐Diamino‐1,3,5‐triazine‐6‐one

A family of energetic salts with high thermal stability and low impact sensitivity based on an oxygen‐containing cation, 2,4‐diamino‐1,3,5‐triazine‐6‐one, were synthesized and fully characterized by IR and multinuclear (¹H, ¹³C) NMR spectroscopy, elemental analysis, and differential scanning calorimetry. Insights into their sensitivities towards impact, friction, and electrostatics were gained by submitting the materials to standard tests. The structures of 2,4‐diamino‐1,3,5‐triazine‐6‐one nitrate, 2,4‐diamino‐1,3,5‐triazine‐6‐one sulfate, 2,4‐diamino‐1,3,5‐triazine‐6‐one perchlorate, 2,4‐diamino‐1,3,5‐triazine‐6‐one 5‐nitrotetrazolate were determined by single‐crystal X‐ray diffraction; their densities are 1.691, 1.776, 1.854, and 1.636 g cm^?3, respectively. Most of the salts decompose at temperatures over 180 °C; in particular, the salts 2,4‐diamino‐1,3,5‐triazine‐6‐one nitrate and 2,4‐diamino‐1,3,5‐triazine‐6‐one perchlorate, which decompose at 303.3 and 336.4 °C, respectively, are fairly stable. Furthermore, most of the salts exhibit excellent impact sensitivities (>40 J), friction sensitivities (>360 N), and are insensitive to electrostatics. The measured densities of these energetic salts range from 1.64 to 2.01 g cm^?3. The detonation pressure values calculated for these salts range from 14.6 to 29.2 GPa, and the detonation velocities range from 6536 to 8275 m s^?1; these values make the salts potential candidates for thermally stable and insensitive energetic materials.     

Synthesis,oxidation and dehydrogenation of cyclic N,O‐ and N,S‐Acetals. II . Transformation of N,S‐acetals: 3‐Acylbenzothiazolines and ‐thiazolidines

The dehydrogenations with iron(III) chloride, potassium permanganate, and for the first time, CAN, tris‐[trinitrato‐cerium(IV)]‐paraperiodate (TTNCPP), and (diacetoxyiodo)benzene (IBDA) are investigated. Hydrogen peroxide, sodium periodate, potassium permanganate, and ammonium cerium(IV) nitrate (CAN) oxidation of chiral benzothiazolines, O‐ and O,N‐acylated derivatives of the condensates of D‐galactose with 2‐aminothiophenols or L‐cysteine, are also reported.     

Photochromic LC copolymers containing azobenzene and crown‐ether groups

An approach for the creation of a novel family of multifunctional crown‐ether‐containing comb‐shaped copolyacrylates consisting of chromophoric (azobenzene), ionophoric (crown‐ether), and mesogenic groups in the same macromolecule was developed. Phase behavior of the copolymers was studied, and correlation between their molecular structure and thermal properties was established. The increase of crown‐ether‐containing groups' concentration up to 26 mol % leads to disruption of nematic order and formation of amorphous phase. Influence of copolymers complexation with potassium perchlorate on mesomorphic properties of such systems was investigated. It was shown that complexation leads to decrease in mesophase thermostability due to the significant reducing of the side group anisometry by perchlorate counter ion. The comparative investigations of photooptical properties and photoorientation processes of copolymers and their complexes were also performed. An essential difference in kinetics of photooptical behavior was revealed; the bulky crown‐ether substituents decrease rotational mobility and prevent photoorientation process of azobenzene fragments diminishing photoinduced orientation and order parameter. © 2008 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Polym Sci Part A: Polym Chem 46: 6532–6541, 2008     

Phase equilibria and critical phenomena in the potassium perchlorate-water-<Emphasis Type="Italic">n</Emphasis>-butoxyethanol ternary system

Phase equilibria and critical phenomena in the potassium perchlorate-water-n-butoxyethanol ternary system, where the boundary liquid binary system is characterized by the presence of a closed stratification region, were studied by the visual-polythermal method over the temperature range 40–150°C. The temperature of the formation of the critical monotectic equilibrium tie line (141.0°C) and temperature dependences of the compositions of mixtures corresponding to the critical solubility points of the stratification region over the temperature ranges 47.7–130.3 and 141.0–150.0°C were determined. The isotherms of phase states constructed at 10 temperatures were used to reveal the topological transformation of the phase diagram of the ternary system depending on temperature. At low concentrations (up to 5.8 wt %), potassium perchlorate had a salting in action on heterogeneous water-n-butoxyethanol mixtures. The solubility of the salt increased as the temperature grew, and, above 141.0°C, potassium perchlorate had a salting out action. The salting out of n-butoxyethanol from aqueous solutions by potassium perchlorate grew stronger as the temperature increased.     

Tunable morphologies of rhenium complex‐containing polystyrene‐block‐poly(2‐vinylpyridine) aggregates

Polystyrene‐block‐poly(2‐vinylpyridine) (PS‐b‐P2VP) diblock copolymer was functionalized with luminescent chlorotricarbonyl rhenium (I) phenanthroline complex in the presence of silver perchlorate. The copolymer‐metal complex showed high sensitivity to the solvent system. Different morphologies and dimensions of the rhenium complex within nanosized micelles were controlled by changing the solvent systems. Core‐embedded rhenium complex within micelles appear by adding methanol, a poor solvent for the copolymer‐metal complex, to the solution of common solvent tetrahydrofuran (THF); the number of the core‐embedded rhenium complex and the scale of the micelles are strongly related to the addition of methanol. Moreover, a novel morphology of corona‐embedded rhenium complex micelles was prepared by dropping the original THF solution of copolymer‐metal complex into water at a low pH value. © 2008 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Polym Sci Part B: Polym Phys 46: 2047–2053, 2008     

Recent Developments in Alloying‐type Anode Materials for Potassium‐Ion Batteries

As an energy‐storage system, rechargeable potassium‐ion batteries (PIBs) have aroused widespread attention in recent years due to their earth abundance, low standard redox potential, and high ionic conductivity. The development of high‐performance electrode materials is key to optimize the battery performance and useful to improve the feasibility of PIB technology. In this sense, a minireview on alloying‐type anode materials for advanced PIBs is provided, covering the potassium storage properties, reaction mechanisms, theoretical analysis, electrochemical performance, and suitable binders and electrolytes.     

3,4‐Di‐2‐pyridyl‐1,2,5‐oxadiazole and its perchlorate salt

In 3,4‐di‐2‐pyridyl‐1,2,5‐oxadiazole (dpo), C₁₂H₈N₄O, each mol­ecule resides on a twofold axis and inter­acts with eight neighbours via four C—H⋯N and four C—H⋯O inter­actions to generate a three‐dimensional hydrogen‐bonded architecture. In the perchlorate analogue, 2‐[3‐(2‐pyrid­yl)‐1,2,5‐oxadiazol‐4‐yl]pyridinium perchlorate, C₁₂H₉N₄O⁺·ClO₄⁻ or [Hdpo]ClO₄, the [Hdpo]⁺ cation is bisected by a crystallographic mirror plane, and the additional H atom in the cation is shared by the two pyridyl N atoms to form a symmetrical intra­molecular N⋯H⋯N hydrogen bond. The cations and perchlorate anions are linked through C—H⋯O hydrogen bonds and π–π stacking inter­actions to form one‐dimensional tubes along the b‐axis direction.     

Metal–Organic Frameworks (MOFs) as Safer,Structurally Reinforced Energetics

Second‐generation cobalt and zinc coordination architectures were obtained through efforts to stabilize extremely sensitive and energetic transition‐metal hydrazine perchlorate ionic polymers. Partial ligand substitution by the tridentate hydrazinecarboxylate anion afforded polymeric 2D‐sheet structures never before observed for energetic materials. Carefully balanced reaction conditions allowed the retention of the noncoordinating perchlorate anion in the presence of a strongly chelating hydrazinecarboxylate ligand. High‐quality X‐ray single‐crystal structure determination revealed that the metal coordination preferences lead to different structural motifs and energetic properties, despite the nearly isoformulaic nature of the two compounds. Energetic tests indicate highly decreased sensitivity and DFT calculations suggest a high explosive performance for these remarkable structures.     

2‐[6‐(1H‐Benzimidazol‐2‐yl)‐2‐pyridyl]‐1H‐benzimidazol‐3‐ium perchlorate monohydrate

The title compound, C₁₉H₁₄N₅⁺·ClO₄^?·H₂O, contains planar C₁₉H₁₄N₅⁺ cations, perchlorate anions and water mol­ecules. The two closest parallel cations (plane‐to‐plane distance of 3.41 Å), together with two neighbouring perchlorate anions and two water mol­ecules, form an electrically neutral quasi‐dimeric unit. Two acidic H atoms of the cation, both H atoms of the water mol­ecule, the N atoms of the imidazole rings and three of the four O atoms of the perchlorate anion are involved in the hydrogen‐bonding network within the dimeric unit. The remaining third acidic H atom of the imidazole rings and the water mol­ecules complete a two‐dimensional network of hydrogen bonds, thus forming puckered layers of dimers. The angle between the planes of two neighbouring dimeric units in the same layer is 33.25 (3)°.     

Understanding High‐Rate K+‐Solvent Co‐Intercalation in Natural Graphite for Potassium‐Ion Batteries

Graphite shows great potential as an anode material for rechargeable metal‐ion batteries because of its high abundance and low cost. However, the electrochemical performance of graphite anode materials for rechargeable potassium‐ion batteries needs to be further improved. Reported herein is a natural graphite with superior rate performance and cycling stability obtained through a unique K⁺‐solvent co‐intercalation mechanism in a 1 m KCF₃SO₃ diethylene glycol dimethyl ether electrolyte. The co‐intercalation mechanism was demonstrated by ex situ Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy and in situ X‐ray diffraction. Moreover, the structure of the [K‐solvent]⁺ complexes intercalated with the graphite and the conditions for reversible K⁺‐solvent co‐intercalation into graphite are proposed based on the experimental results and first‐principles calculations. This work provides important insights into the design of natural graphite for high‐performance rechargeable potassium‐ion batteries.     

Ionic Liquid‐Based Routes to Conversion or Reuse of Recycled Ammonium Perchlorate

New, potentially green, and efficient synthetic routes for the remediation and/or re‐use of perchlorate‐based energetic materials have been developed. Four simple organic imidazolium‐ and phosphonium‐based perchlorate salts/ionic liquids have been synthesized by simple, inexpensive, and nonhazardous methods, using ammonium perchlorate as the perchlorate source. By appropriate choice of the cation, perchlorate can be incorporated into an ionic liquid which serves as its own electrolyte for the electrochemical reduction of the perchlorate anion, allowing for the regeneration of the chloride‐based parent ionic liquid. The electrochemical degradation of the hazardous perchlorate ion and its conversion to harmless chloride during electrolysis was studied using IR and ³⁵Cl NMR spectroscopies.     

High‐Throughput Fabrication,Performance Testing,and Characterization of One‐Dimensional Libraries of Polymeric Compositions

A new general approach for rapid performance‐screening of polymer compositions is provided. Multiple compositions are generated as one‐dimensional libraries in a microextruder with step‐ or gradient‐composition changes in 2–10 g of polymer in < 1 min. To accelerate testing, environmental stress is applied to only local regions, followed by high‐sensitivity spatially resolved characterization. We applied our methodology for weathering of arrays of polymeric compositions and provided ranking of polymer/UV absorber compositions equivalent to traditional weathering data while achieved 20 times faster.

Sampling and measurement strategies for HT analysis of combinatorial 1D polymeric libraries: (1) spectroscopic monitoring of chemical properties, (2) in‐situ monitoring of mass and viscoelastic properties, (3) scanning spectroscopic analysis, and (4) spectroscopic imaging of a coiled polymeric array.     

Anti‐vibration and vibration isolator performance of poly(styrene‐butadiene‐ styrene)/ester‐type polyurethane thermoplastic elastomers

This investigation presents novel thermoplastic elastomers (TPEs) based on poly(styrene‐butadiene‐styrene) (SBS) and ester‐type polyurethane (TPU‐EX) materials were prepared with varying compositions. A series of investigations were conducted on the relationships between mechanical properties, dynamic mechanical properties, anti‐vibration and vibration isolator properties given, and the different compositions. The experimental results show incompatibilities between SBS and TPU‐EX. SBS mechanical properties, dynamic mechanical properties, anti‐vibration and vibration isolator properties are improved with an increase in the amount of TPU‐EX, suggesting that the blending of SBS with TPU‐EX was consistent with the compound rule. Based on the obtained results, the viscoelasticity of SBS materials, their capacity to isolate vibration, and their anti‐vibration performance can be adjusted by controlling the proportion of TPU‐EX. Copyright © 2009 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.