In Situ Generation of Biocidal Copper Iodide via Reactive Nanoenergetic Systems

ABSTRACT In situ generation of copper iodide (CuI) was achieved through the ignition of nanoenergetic system designed to release copper and iodine species. Aluminum–copper oxide and aluminum–iodine pentoxide thermite mixtures were combined in proportions ranging from 25 to 75 wt.% to produce multifunctional energetic formulations. Their antimicrobial performance was evaluated against bacterial samples ( E. coli ) placed at various distances and orientations relative to the energetic source, enabling assessment of the distribution of CuI nanoparticles and the resulting disinfection efficiency. Thermodynamic analysis indicates that the I 2 O 5 ‐CuO‐Al mixtures are highly energetic, with adiabatic combustion temperatures approaching 3800 K. Among the tested formulations, the optimal disinfection performance was achieved with a 50:50 mixture of (10Al + 3I 2 O 5 ) and (2Al + 3CuO). Pressure discharge measurements revealed values exceeding 40 MPa/g for iodine‐rich formulations, among the highest reported for comparable nanoenergetic systems. Post‐reaction characterization using x‐ray diffraction (XRD), energy‐dispersive spectroscopy (EDS), and scanning electron microscopy (SEM) confirmed the formation of nanoscale CuI particles with average particle sizes ∼ 80 nm. High‐speed visual imaging further demonstrated rapid and uniform dispersion of gaseous reaction products throughout the test chamber, promoting homogeneous surface coverage. The resulting disinfection efficiency exceeded 98 % using a minimal energetic charge of ∼20 mg, suggesting the capability to treat surface areas on the order of ∼1 m 2 . These results demonstrate a novel nanoenergetic‐driven approach for the rapid synthesis and deposition of biocidal CuI for surface decontamination, with potential applications in sterilization, antimicrobial coatings, and environmental remediation.