High Energy Borane-enhanced Fuels

The proposed project involves the synthesis, characterization, and testing of new, energetic boron compounds for use as fuels in jet, rocket, or scramjet engines. This work is possible through the use of new, enabling chemistry developed in the laboratory of the PI whereby oxidizing elements are bound to boranes through covalently attached ligands with precise compositions. Specific aims include the synthesis of new fuels/mixtures having optimized elemental compositions that result in maximal energy output during combustion. Analyses of the reaction pathways and products will be completed.