Synthesis of submicron‐sized silver azide by multi‐nozzle spray flash synthesis**

Abstract

Submicron-sized powders of silver azide (AgN 3 ) were prepared by Curtius' reaction between silver nitrate (AgNO 3 ) and sodium azide (NaN 3 ) in aqueous solutions by a new process: the Spray Flash Synthesis (SFS). The SFS process consists in spraying the two precursor solutions in a heated atomization chamber (130-190 °C), maintained under low vacuum (15-30 kPa). The reaction occurs in the droplets which have collided; the final size of particles is limited by the fast evaporation of water and the small amount of matter available in each droplet which can be considered as an individual micro-reactor.The mean particle sizes of silver azide synthesized by the SFS process range from 220 nm to 390 nm, which means that these particles are three times smaller than those obtained by the conventional precipitation method. Submicron-sized AgN 3 powders can be initiated by a photographic flash.

Airborne metal nanoparticles released by azides detonation: determination and potential public exposure

“…As stated in papers where metal azide are the objective of research 20 , this class of materials poses safety concerns. For instance, silver azide is extremely sensitive to friction and electrostatic discharge.…”

“…as an alternative to lead in primers 20,21 . Copper azide, CuN6, is rarely reported due to its instability, it is not of any practical use.…”