Pyrophoric metal-carbon foam composites and methods of making the same

US8172964B2 · kind B2 · utility

Assignee

• Lawrence Livermore National Security, LLC · US

Inventors

• Alexander E. Gash · Brentwood, US
• Joe H. Satcher, Jr. · Patterson, US
• Randall L. Simpson · Livermore, US
• Theodore F. Baumann · Discovery Bay, US
• Marcus A. Worsley · Hayward, US

Key dates

• Filing date: Dec 5, 2008
• Grant date: May 8, 2012
• Expiry date: Jul 25, 2029

Classification

• Technology area (CPC C): Chemistry; Metallurgy
• CPC primary: C06B45/00
• WIPO field: Basic materials chemistry
• WIPO sector: Chemistry

Abstract

A method for creating a pyrophoric material according to one embodiment includes thermally activating a carbon foam for creating micropores therein; contacting the activated carbon foam with a liquid solution comprising a metal salt for depositing metal ions in the carbon foam; and reducing the metal ions in the foam to metal particles. A pyrophoric material in yet another embodiment includes a pyrophoric metal-carbon foam composite comprising a carbon foam having micropores and mesopores and a surface area of greater than or equal to about 2000 m2/g, and metal particles in the pores of the carbon foam. Additional methods and materials are also disclosed.